News
Snape Village Rustlers discover their cowhand skills
17th September 2009
The Snape Village Rustlers - a group of nine local residents who have adopted 26 cattle on Snape Marshes - are discovering the nuances of cattle behaviour and thoroughly enjoying their new role as cowboys and cowgirls! Community involvement is integral to the restoration of the new 60 acre nature reserve which is owned by Suffolk Wildlife Trust and lies on the north bank of the River Alde adjacent to Snape Maltings.
The keen ‘rustlers’ take it in turn to do a head count every week to ensure the cattle – which are a mix of Limousin, Belgian blue and Hereford – are all present and in good shape. All cattle are in calf and will be grazing the marshes until the end of September. Once they have had their calves they will return next summer to continue their sterling work.
The cattle, owned by grazier David Hull from Henham near Southwold, are an essential tool in the restoration of the abandoned grazing marsh: “Their grazing creates a tussocky sward which is great for wading birds – 30 years ago there were breeding redshank and lapwing on the site. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if they started to breed once again? Cattle grazing will also encourage the hundreds of beautiful southern marsh orchids and nationally scarce marsh sowthistle to flourish as it keeps the coarse sedges and grasses in check,” explains Rustler co-ordinator Lesey Walduck.
“Snape villagers have walked this landscape for generations enjoying its tranquillity and special atmosphere. We have been watching the work carried out by the Trust with interest. The first job was fencing to secure the marsh for grazing animals, followed by the installation of drainage pipes which will allow villagers to walk the ancient Canser footpath without sinking up to their knees in mud!
“A barn owl box has been put up and immediately occupied by the pair regularly seen quartering the marshes – and they raised two chicks. Snape Primary School have also used the reserve as a teaching resource. There were many ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ when they were shown the fluffy barn owl chicks! Everyone had a fantastic day identifying wildflowers and minibeasts and looking for signs of otter, of which there have been several recent sitings!”
Snape Marshes is a rich mix of wetland habitat, including grazing marsh, reedbed, scrub and wet woodland. The reserve was purchased by Suffolk Wildlife Trust with donations from two legacies, funds from Suffolk Environmental Trust and £40,000 raised through a public appeal.
For more information please contact Snape Village Rustler Co-ordinator Lesley Walduck on 01728 687756/ 07970179408
