Erewash Meadows’ Bovine Benefits

We aim to enhance the priority UK BAP habitat of floodplain grazing marsh in the 19-acre Erewash Meadows Nature Reserve-northern extension. Lapwing/skylark (BAP), greenshank, redshank/Ringed Plover (Amber status) will all find food here and some may nestbuild and multiply.
We will change the grazing regime from sheep to cattle to achieve this aim. Cattle (Bovine) grazing will result in multi-length grasses for birds to find refuge and build nests in. Heavy hoofs will create divots of bare earth for birds to feed on worms and wildflower seed to germinate in. To encourage waders, much water will be introduced into re-dug scrapes and new scrapes. A livestock-handling corral and fencing will be needed.
Erewash Meadows is popular with both ordinary people and dedicated naturalists and birdwatchers.