Grazing by large herbivores remains the most natural and effective way of managing vegetation, shaping the landscape in ways that human interventions and machinery simply cannot replicate.
Through feedback from its Wild Peak Network of landowners, local communities and project leaders, the Trust identified that many landowners with smaller sites didn’t have access to livestock to manage the land in this way. So, to support them and facilitate grazing in the Peak District, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust has created the Wild Peak Grazing Network.
Inspired by the Trust’s Call of the Wild project in the Trent Valley, the Network will support 11 landowners with grazing through a shared group of native Exmoor ponies moved between the sites covering 45.47Ha in the Peak District National Park.
On site, the animals will browse brambles and trees to create a mosaic of habitats; graze grass and vegetation to different heights which creates habitats for invertebrates; encourage wildflowers to grow providing pollen and nectar for invertebrates; increase food availability for birds and ultimately create more diversity in the nature.
Funding has been awarded for stock-proofing from FiPL (Farming in Protected Landscapes), a dedicated grant programme for farmers and land managers in National Parks, as part of Defra’s Agricultural Transition Plan in England.
The Trust’s dedicated Wilder Grazing Officer is meeting with each landowner to identify stock proof walling and fencing needs and repair iconic drystone walls where they exist. Once this is in place, the movement of the ponies will be coordinated between sites and the impact of grazing monitored regularly to ensure any necessary adjustments are made to the grazing regime.
The Trust is also working with the landowners to set up a group of trained local volunteers who will deliver daily checks and support with animal movement where needed. Anyone interested in learning these skills and volunteering, can find out more on the Trust’s website.
