RESIDENTS and walkers may notice some new inhabitants on Winfrith Heath as cattle are introduced to the site for the first time in many years.

The animals will be free to roam several areas to graze 370 acres.

As part of a ‘Whole Heath Grazing Scheme’, encouraged by the government body Natural England, three separate sites under different ownership and management will be grazed as one unit. The partners in the scheme are the Lulworth Estate, Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT), and Research Sites Restoration Ltd (RSRL).

The grazing project will cover three sites of Special Scientific Interest; Blacknoll Heath, RSRL’s Blacknoll Mount and the DWT’s Winfrith Heath, enabling more efficient management with an overall preferable outcome for the widlife and of this nationally important Heathland.

Grazing promotes a healthy short structure of sward and prevents scrub from encroaching over the Heath. The shorter the turf, the more diverse range of grasses, Heathers and associated insects and reptiles. Look out for Silver Studded Blues, Grayling, Nightjars, Hobbys, Smooth Snakes and Sand Lizards expanding their range.

Remember, that from May, the bypass gates to the Heath will remain closed to stop the cattle from wandering – please drive over the cattle grids provided, unless your vehicle is horsedrawn, exceptionally heavy, or wide!