Conservation grazing at Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve

Using livestock to manage habitats is known as conservation grazing. It is the most sustainable and efficient way to help nature flourish and reduce the need for mechanical management.

Livestock eat longer tougher grasses, allowing space for more delicate plants and insects to thrive. 

The open ground created by large grazing animals provide excellent nesting sites for rare species of solitary bees and wasps which make the sandy ground and sandstone exposures their principal habitat.

All livestock are owned and managed by a neighbouring farmer who looks after their welfare, and ensures the terms of the Countryside Stewardship agreement are complied with. 

Native Sussex breed cattle are the main conservation grazing livestock breed at the reserve. These cattle are suited to the challenging terrain at the reserve and the climate of the southeast. The cattle and grazing pastures are managed through the Nofence virtual fencing system.

There are wild Exmore ponies at the reserve, which browse differently from cattle and help manage the reserve and its biodiversity. Sometimes sheep are also brought onto the reserve to help manage it.