The National Trust, Natural England and a local farmer have reintroduced half a dozen cattle to Leigh Woods in Bristol; more than 140 years after the last herd left the cliff top site.

Cloaking the Avon Gorge, Leigh Woods was saved from development forever when we were bequeathed the site by George Wills of the famous Bristol Tobacco empire in 1909.

Perhaps ironically, the woods are now a vital green lung for the city. For generations they've also been a favourite place for artists, writers and Bristolians to view the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Avon Gorge.  

'Leigh Woods is not only a haven for animals and plants in the heart of the city and a place for cyclists, walkers and families to escape the bustle of Bristol, it’s also a hugely important site for archaeology and wildlife,' explains Head Warden Bill Morris.

'Stokeleigh Camp, a 2,000-year old Iron Age fort and Scheduled Monument, is evidence of very early settlements in the cliff top woods, yet today many visitors walk by it, or on it, without knowing about the history they share. We intend to change that.'

To help celebrate a centenary of charity care, along with Natural England and a local farmer, we've reintroduced cattle to graze part of Leigh Woods.

They'll help to maintain open areas like Stokeleigh Camp, which has been cleared of the scrub and small trees hiding its ramparts and ditches finally allowing visitors to see the history under their feet.

'The idea is historically apt and ecologically sound,' says Bill. 'The imposing stone wall which still runs through the wood not only marks the parish boundary, but was originally built to corral the cattle of the Ashton Court estate, which owned the site.'

'The area south of the parish wall was grazed and was wood pasture. The trees were managed by pollarding, that is cut above the reach of the cattle. Today wood pasture and pollards have become rare, threatening the survival of this historic landscape and associated wildlife. We’re lucky that several hundred of these veteran pollards have survived.'

The wardens have been clearing around the pollards to prevent them being shaded. The grazing will help to restore the more open conditions they need.

Opening up parts of the site will also create new views and vistas through the denser areas of the woods that visitors will be able to enjoy.

'By opening up new areas to light, the cattle will naturally encourage wildflowers and wildlife through their grazing. The mix of short and taller vegetation will encourage more insects and birds. Because the cattle will be managed organically, their dung will be attractive to a variety of insects, which in turn will benefit the wood’s bats and birds.'

Leigh Woods and the Avon Gorge are nationally and internationally designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and are home to a number of wildflowers that are unique to the area, including the Bristol rock cress. Leigh Woods is also considered by experts to be one of the best sites in the world for rare Whitebeam trees; boasting almost two dozen varieties.

'The trees like to live on the edge, literally, and thrive in more open conditions where they’re not being overshadowed by taller trees. So by allowing the cattle to open up further clearings in the canopy, and through thinning some trees, the rare Whitebeams will have an even better chance to increase in number,' says Bill.

The cattle are Red Ruby Devons, owned by local grazier and Soil Association registered organic farmer Jim Twine. They’re a particularly important traditional breed for conservation grazing in the South West.  

'This is a really exciting project and a great opportunity to play a small part in helping to reconnect visitors to the wood with agriculture, the environment and where our food comes from. It has been a real pleasure to work with the National Trust and Natural England - both of whom have been completely brilliant during the whole process,' says Jim.

'Coming from the Exmoor area of North Devon, the Ruby Red Devons are well suited to rough grazing and the local climate. They’re also hardy with docile natures, and produce great tasting beef.'

The National Trust and Jim Twine, the grazier, have jointly entered a Higher Level Stewardship agreement with Natural England. Natural England’s support and financial help has been the key to making this exciting project possible.