Conservation grazing is an increasingly popular approach to land management that’s catching on across the UK. It’s a method that uses livestock to meet conservation objectives, primarily by removing dominant vegetation to allow threatened species of plants, birds and insects to thrive. This technique is becoming more common on nature reserves throughout the country, with cattle, sheep, ponies and other animals being employed as four-legged conservationists. I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Elise Sutton, a conservationist and livestock manager at Cherry Lodge Farm, about this fascinating intersection of agriculture and ecology. Her insights shed light on how traditional farming practices can be adapted to support both food production and biodiversity.
At Cherry Lodge Farm, the star players in this conservation effort are English Longhorn cattle. These hardy beasts are well-suited to grazing on poor-quality grasslands, making them ideal for maintaining biodiverse habitats. What’s particularly interesting about Longhorns is how they exhibit natural behaviours that contribute to the ecosystem. They use their impressive horns to bring down trees for browsing, creating a more varied landscape structure. These horns also serve a protective purpose, helping newborn calves navigate their first days of life. But the Longhorns aren’t just good for the environment - they’re also excellent for producing high-quality beef. Their meat is known for good intramuscular fat, often referred to as marbling, which contributes to flavour and tenderness. Importantly, these cattle finish well on grass alone, without needing additional feed inputs. While this grass-fed approach means they take slightly longer to reach market weight, the result is superior meat that’s produced in harmony with nature.
The farm’s approach to livestock management is a testament to the potential of regenerative agriculture. By focusing on maintaining biodiverse grasslands, Cherry Lodge Farm aims to strike a balance between food production and conservation. This organic, pasture-fed system produces what Elise calls “biodiverse beef” while simultaneously protecting rare plant and animal species. It’s a holistic approach that recognises the interconnectedness of all parts of the farm ecosystem. One fascinating example of this interconnectedness is the role of dung beetles on the farm. These small but mighty insects are crucial indicators of healthy soils and cattle. They work tirelessly to break down manure quickly, which not only improves soil health but also supports other wildlife. Bats and birds feed on the beetles, creating a thriving food web that starts with the cattle and their dung.
Despite the clear ecological benefits, one might wonder about the economic viability of such a nature-friendly farming approach. After all, conservation grazing often involves lower stocking densities than conventional farming, which could potentially impact profitability. However, Cherry Lodge Farm has found ways to diversify its income streams to make this model commercially viable. In addition to direct beef sales, they also generate income through pedigree cattle sales, seed harvesting from their biodiverse meadows, and even solar panels. This multi-faceted approach to farm income is increasingly common among farmers who are trying to balance profitability with environmental stewardship. It’s a model that could point the way forward for many UK farms looking to transition to more sustainable practices.
Looking to the future, there’s reason to be optimistic about the direction of UK farming. Elise notes that young farmers are increasingly environmentally minded, with a growing focus on sustainable and resilient farming practices. There’s a heightened interest in soil health, rotational grazing, and diversifying farm operations - all practices that can contribute to both farm productivity and biodiversity. When it comes to more radical conservation measures like rewilding, Elise believes there’s a place for such approaches in the UK. However, she advocates for a balanced approach, suggesting that improving connectivity between existing farmlands and nature reserves should be a priority before considering reintroductions of large carnivores. This measured perspective highlights the nuanced thinking required to navigate the complex landscape of modern conservation and agriculture. As we face the dual challenges of food security and biodiversity loss, farms like Cherry Lodge offer valuable lessons in how we might meet both needs simultaneously.
Tommy's Outdoors 