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Calves’ arrival comes right on time for Commons’ GPS herd

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Herd instinct: the City Commons herd of Sussex cattle have some new arrivals

The rangers at City Commons, the precious open spaces around Coulsdon, Kenley and Riddlesdown, are celebrating the arrivals of the first new-borns in their herd of Sussex cattle.

The rangers have been closely monitoring the cows and calves throughout the day and at night, often at some very unsociable hours, ensuring their safety and well-being while in the barn.

“Sussex cattle are a very docile rare breed that would historically have roamed the downs of Surrey and Sussex,” City Commons say.

“They cope well with the steep downland terrain and low-quality grazing, a trait that benefits the flower-rich grasslands present on the Commons.”

Throughout February and March, the Sussex cattle will be grazing 13-acre Bury and New Field on New Hill (part of Farthing Downs), as well as areas around the airfield perimeter track on Kenley Common near Golf Road, and later on the eastern side of the airfield.

Mapping tool: the no-fence system has the cattle monitored by GPS

“This late winter grazing helps break up the coarse ‘thatch’ build-up in the grassland, creating space for less common grasses and wildflowers to thrive,” City Commons says.

“The cattle will be guided using innovative Nofence technology, eliminating the need for physical fences. Equipped with solar-powered GPS collars, they will remain within a designated virtual boundary.” Fingers crossed…

Importantly, City Commons adds the following request and warning.

“If you’re walking in these areas with your dog, please keep them under close control.

“If you’re unsure how your dog might react to the cattle, it’s safest to keep them on a lead to ensure everyone’s safety.”

You can check the live location of livestock using the Nofence system via this link (you will need to use your location settings to view cattle in your area).

For the first practical volunteer task of the year at Coulsdon Common, Rangers and volunteers were busy clearing a corner of woodland above The Maze. The presence of particular plants here indicates that this area is an Ancient Woodland shaw and is at least 400 years old.

Spring into action: the commons and woodlands cared for by City Commons rangers are already beginning to show the first signs of an end to winter. The bluebells will soon be in bloom

Some of the plants growing here include native bluebells and wild garlic. Neither species can tolerate too much shade or being trampled, so the group cut back some vegetation and constructed what are known as “dead hedges” using collected branches and material from the task. This natural barrier will help guide foot traffic and shield the sensitive habitat from harm.

There are some work days coming up with City Commons where volunteers would be very welcome:

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