Tunbridge Wells: Herd of grazing cattle returns to castle grounds

A mix of longhorns and Sussex cows have been welcomed back to Scotney Castle, near Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Grazing cattle have been returned to a castle in Kent where they were first introduced in the 19th Century.

Kent Wildlife Trust said the mix of longhorns and Sussex cows were welcomed to Scotney Castle, near Tunbridge Wells, on Thursday to create a "wilder, more biodiverse" area.

Rebecca Rees, the castle's manager, said they were "thrilled" to be working with the trust on the initiative.

Castle archives show the first Scotney herd was introduced in 1896.

The trust said the grounds of the 14th-century castle and Victorian country mansion included a large, wooded estate where the cattle will work alongside an existing flock of sheep to enhance the National Trust's wilder grazing plans for the site.

The trust said the first herd worked the land until the death of former owner Christopher Hussey in 1970

Ms Rees said: "The diverse features of the 780-acre estate at Scotney makes it a haven for wildlife and our ambition is to help it thrive."

She added conservation grazing on the SSSI (site of special scientific interest) will result in an increase of habitat that supports the native wildlife of Kent.

"It also continues the heritage of traditional breeds as part of a working estate," she added.

Alison Ruyter, area manager for Kent Wildlife Trust, said the cattle have an "exceptional ability" to clear reeds, willow, young scrub, and bramble.

"They are renowned for their calm temperament and work together to look out for each other, even taking it in turns to look after the calves whilst others sleep and forage," she said.

Kent Wildlife Trust has more than 800 cattle, sheep, ponies, pigs, and a herd of bison across many of the 90 nature reserves under their management as part of its Wilder Grazing Strategy.

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