Rare breed sheep to aid conservation efforts

A flock of rare breed sheep has been brought in to help conservation efforts over the winter months at a park.

The Dorset Down sheep have been introduced at High Woods Country Park in Colchester by the city council.

Their addition is part of the Legacy Grazing Project, which works with a number of councils in Essex to protect and nurture wild spaces using traditional grazing methods.

During the winter months, the sheep will replace the Red Poll cattle already used in the conservation project, as they offer "a lighter touch compared to the heavier cattle", the council said.

Forty-five sheep, accompanied by a single ram, are now grazing in a meadow that was cut by machinery earlier this year.

The practice, known as "aftermath grazing", is "critical for managing grassland biodiversity while minimising ground compaction, particularly during the wetter winter season", the council said.

It is hoped the sheep, known for their gentler grazing style, will ensure the grasslands remain in good condition during the colder months.

Martin Goss, the council's Liberal Democrat portfolio holder for waste, neighbourhoods and leisure, said: "The arrival of Dorset Down sheep is an exciting milestone for High Woods Country Park.

"Replacing the cattle during the winter ensures our grasslands are managed in the best possible way, and it's wonderful to see how quickly the sheep have settled in.

"Our Legacy Grazing Project continues to evolve, combining heritage breeds with modern conservation practices to protect this cherished landscape."

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