Sheep replace cows at site to boost biodiversity

The sheep are being introduced in a field on the outskirts of West Malling

A scheme has been announced to try to restore a meadow in Kent by replacing cattle with sheep.

Kent Wildlife Trust said the biodiversity of the four hectare site on the outskirts of West Malling would be "improved" by introducing a grazing programme.

The charity said the site would be monitored and the Dexter cows might "return to help the sheep if conditions allow".

Alison Ruyter, who manages the wilder grazing programme for the charity, said the site had "immense potential to be an oasis for wildlife with the right management".

She said: "We are looking forward to working with the residents in the area who have been taking an active interest in the welfare of the animals previously on site."

Local residents are invited to apply for volunteer roles as livestock checkers.

They will receive training on conducting welfare screenings for the animals.

Ms Ruyter added: "By taking a careful approach and managing the site for nature, we can boost biodiversity while ensuring that grazing animals continue to be a part of the landscape, which the locals enjoy."