Help the Herd

Livestock Ranger, Kate works hard to keep the herd of Belted Galloway cattle happy and healthy. The cows are experts at grazing steep slopes and munching through grasses, which is why they're so important to the Cotswold landscape.

Conservation grazing encourages wildflowers to grow
The Belties enjoying a walk through the woods on the Ebworth estate

Help the herd

The black and white cows - affectionately known as Belties - live under the watchful eye of Livestock Ranger, Kate Jones. They play a critical role in the conservation of Gloucestershire's wildflowers and biodiversity. With their help, nature and wildlife are thriving.

Cows are crucial

History of the herd 

In the 1930s, 40% of the Cotswolds was covered in calcareous grassland. Today, it's just 1.5%. Twenty years ago we decided to take action by introducing our own herd of cattle to halt the decline. The rest, as they say, is history.

  • The herd graze 180 hectares in Gloucestershire
  • An average Beltie has 8 calves in her lifetime
  • We look after 100 Belties, making it the biggest herd in the Trust

Donate to Help the Herd

Your donation will make a big difference

The distinctive Belted Galloway cows
£10 Will buy a calf a set of ear tags.
£25 Will fund a cow's annual vaccination that will help to keep it healthy.
Beautiful Belted Galloway cows
Feeding the Belties
£40 Will buy a mineral bucket giving the herd welcome nutrients over the cold winter months.
Or enter your own amount
Belted Galloway calf

Thank you

If you help the herd, you'll also be helping wildlife and nature to thrive in Gloucestershire. Once you've donated, please contact Kate at cotswolds@nationaltrust.org.uk, letting her know your address so she can send you a personalised thank you card.

" The Belties act just like natural lawnmowers, keeping the grass in perfect condition so that plants, fungi, butterflies and insects can all thrive. "
- Kate Jones, Livestock Ranger

Why give to the National Trust?

As a charity, we rely on the generosity of supporters to look after the outdoor spaces in our care. Not only do our supporters help to conserve beautiful landscapes and protect precious plants and wildlife. But they also ensure that future generations have places they can find freedom from everyday life, reconnect with the natural world and make memories to treasure. Your donation will go towards this project and other vital conservation work in the outdoors at this special place. With your support, we can continue to protect the irreplaceable. For everyone, for ever.

Fundraising Regulator
Donate now to help the herd