'Precious habitat' could double in size

The plan will help to boost biodiversity

A grassland habitat could double in size as an old farming approach is set to be used to boost biodiversity.

Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust's proposal for the Greystones Farm nature reserve in Bourton-on-the-Water involves reinstating a traditional beef herd for grazing.

The trust said this change will help to increase the area of farmed land that also benefits nature, supporting farmland birds such as yellowhammers.

Andrew McLaughlin, CEO of Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, said it will give them "better control over how the site is grazed" and "boost nature".

During the trial, the fields nearest the farm buildings will be rested for longer periods, allowing the grasses and flowers to grow during the summer months. This will boost the number of seeds and nectar for insects, mammals and birds.

It is hoped this will also encourage more plants to thrive in this "precious" habitat, the trust said.

The trust said the scheme will encourage different plants, animals and insects to thrive

Mr McLaughlin said the "scale and impact" of the world's ecological emergency means "it is vital that we are doing everything we can to give nature a boost".

"This is particularly the case on our own land that we hold for the benefit of wildlife and people's connection with the natural world," he said.

"Turnstone Farming Company have done a fantastic job in managing the dairy herd at Greystones Farm nature reserve over the last 10 years or so, and we thank them for all their efforts.

"It's an exciting new chapter for the Greystones Farm nature reserve that reflects its recent and ancient past, and we are looking forward to working in close partnership with the local community as we seek to bring this to reality in 2026."