Find out about conservation grazing
Grazing in the Countryside
When walking at our countryside sites look out for cattle or horses. If you see them, they will be carrying out essential natural habitat management.
We use grazing to maintain open areas on our wetland, heathland and grassland sites. Grazing is an effective method compared to alternatives such as cutting and burning.
Cattle and horses are selective with what they eat. This encourages a wider variety of plant species to grow. It controls dominant plants that would otherwise take over.
Trampling by animals creates areas of bare ground among grasses, scrub and trees. These bare areas are important for a wide variety of wildlife. It allows mobile species such as reptiles and amphibians to easily move to other areas. Animal manure provides a habitat in itself for lots of invertebrates.
Grazing on our land varies throughout the year. It depends on the environment and how we are managing a particular site.
Be vigilant and take note of any signage present.
When walking on a site with cattle please follow the guidance below:
- follow the Countryside Code
- follow the advice of on-site signage
- keep dogs under control
- leave gates as you find them.
- keep a respectful distance to the animals
- do not try to touch or feed the animals
Grazing sites and schedule
Whilst we make every effort to keep this information updated. Planned animal movements can sometimes be delayed by circumstances outside of our control.
| Location | Grazing seasons | Grazing status |
|---|---|---|
| Chantry Wood | spring, autumn and winter | Cattle on site from January 2024 |
| The Mount | spring, autumn and winter | Cattle on site from February 2024 |
| Parsonage Water Meadows | spring and summer | No cattle on site. Cattle will return in spring. |
| Pewley Downs | autumn and winter | Cattle on site from February 2024 |
| Riverside Nature Reserve | spring, summer and autumn | Cattle on site. |
| Shalford Water Meadows | spring, summer and autumn | No cattle on site. Cattle will return in spring. |
| Snakey Lane Nature Reserve | summer and autumn | No grazing animals. |
Stoke Water Meadows | spring, summer and autumn | No cattle on site. Cattle will return in spring. |
| Tyting Farm | throughout the year | No cattle on site. Cattle will return in spring. |
Pirbright heaths: | throughout the year | Grazing animals on sites. |
In an emergency contact the owner of the grazing animals. The graziers number can be found on the onsite signage.
If you have a concern relating to grazing animals or animal welfare contact the countryside team at countryside@guildford.gov.uk