Where do our livestock graze?
The Trust keeps animals on many of our grassland Reserves. Livestock is moved between sites depending on the time of year and the level of grazing required. You can visit our Nature Reserves at any time of the year - perhaps start with one of the sites below?
Morgan’s Hill, near Calne
The views from Morgan’s Hill Nature Reserve are some of the most commanding in Wiltshire. Dexters extensively graze this Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) chalk downland Reserve all year round. Eleven species of orchid have been recorded on the downs including rarer varieties like the Fly, Bee and Frog Orchids. |
Clattinger Farm, near Oaksey
Designated as a SSSI and part of a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), Clattinger Farm is considered the finest remaining example of enclosed lowland grassland in the UK. A visit to the reserve in April is essential to see the carpet of Snake’s-head Fritillaries. Belted Galloways extensively graze the Reserve throughout the year. |
Markham Banks, Wroughton
A picturesque Reserve in its own right, with fantastic views from the tops of the undulating banks, spanning across Clouts Wood SSSI Nature Reserve and beyond, that make the climb well worth it. Exmoor ponies can be found grazing the site particularly to control Tor grass and they are joined periodically by Herdwick ewes and lambs. |
Coombe Bissett Down, near Salisbury
A diverse downland plant community is found on these ancient SSSI chalk slopes which are teeming with life, supporting rarities such as the Brown-banded carder bee and Adonis Blue butterfly. Breeding livestock are kept at Coombe Bissett, with lambing taking place in April and calving throughout the year. |
