Annual roaming of Friesians until end of October
Ealing Council has welcomed back a herd of cows on to Horsenden Hill East for the summer.
The five British Whites crossed with Friesians will be roaming on the Home Mead and Long Mead meadows until the end of October.
The cattle have been a popular method of animal lawn mowing on the hill since 2005. They have helped increase the biodiversity of the plants and animals living on the medieval meadows, including the locally rare plant Dyers Greenweed and yellow meadow ants.
Councillor Bassam Mahfouz, cabinet member for Transport and Environment, said:
“It is the long awaited and much anticipated annual return of the cows to Horsenden Hill.
''I will definitely be taking my little boy down to meet the borough’s new residents and would encourage everyone to come along to take in all the other delights Horsenden Hill has to offer at this time of year.
''The cows bring great environmental benefits by increasing the types of insects and animals living in the area, naturally maintaining the field and adding character to this corner of the borough.''”
The grazing area is open to the public. The cows are docile, but are large animals and not pets, so should not be approached or touched. Dog walkers are requested to keep their pets on leads and the gates must be kept shut at all times, using the rope loops provided.
Residents and visitors are urged to contact the council’s parks ranger team on 020 8813 9232 or 07912 580223 for more information about the cows, or to report any issues with the cattle.
August 22, 2011