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Appeal for heathland volunteers
By Tim TonkinJuly 21, 2010
WILDLIFE rangers in Yateley are calling on people to assist them in keeping an eye on livestock grazing on local heathlands.
The Castle Bottom Rangers team is appealing for volunteer “Lookers” to help check the livestock that are grazing the reserve to help improve the rare and endangered heathland habitats.
There are currently around four free-roaming highland cattle and two New Forest ponies, on the reserve between spring and autumn each year.
By feeding on grassland the animals play an important part in helping to control other species and thus preserve the habitats of a variety of rare plants and animals.
Essential
Castle Bottom ranger, Natalie Tanzer, said that by becoming a looker, people would be playing a valuable role in preserving the local environment.
She said: “It is essential that the cattle are checked on a daily basis to ensure their continued health and well-being.
“Lookers will be given full training in what to look out for so they are confident when checking the animals' health and behaviour.”
Volunteers may carry out the checks on days and times convenient to them, and can even incorporate checks into regular activities such as dog walking.
For more information on becoming a looker, write to northern.sites@hants.gov.uk or contact the Rangers on 01252 870425.
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