A herd of Luing cattle is helping to speed up natural regeneration of woodland in the Trossachs.
Luing cattle in Glen Finglas
The cattle have been given access to a large area of newly established native woodland on the Woodland Trust’s Glen Finglas estate for the first time since it was planted fifteen years ago.
They cause minimal damage to the young trees and their hooves are perfect for breaking up ground, allowing seeds to take root. They also help maintain healthy ground flora by grazing on coarse grasses and trampling bracken to keep them in check. This process can help to reduce the risk of grass fires in dry years.
Phil Gordon, estate manager at Glen Finglas Estate said: “As long as a healthy balance is maintained, grazing and expanding native woodland can run hand-in-hand. Trees provide shelter and shade for the livestock, and cattle are naturally designed to keep other vegetation down and break up the ground.
“The ancient upland wood pasture at Glen Finglas is recognised as one of the best examples in the UK, and it has been here since the estate was a royal hunting forest. We’re now working to create the wood pasture of the future, and allowing cattle in to graze the woodland is a key part of this process.”
Glen Finglas forms part of The Great Trossachs Forest, an ambitious woodland restoration project covering 160 square kilometres, an area the size of Glasgow. You can explore Glen Finglas on an excellent through walk between Balquhidder and Brig o’Turk and also The Mell Circuit both described with route maps on Walkhighlands.