Livestock at Clumber Park

Every year, livestock breeds owned by Thoresby Farm take up residency here at Clumber Park, grazing between April and October.

Why do we have grazing animals?

Livestock grazing has played an enormous part in shaping the landscape we all enjoy today and dates back to ducal times. Historically, this is how the land would have been managed in years gone by and remains the most effective way to manage this land even today.

The benefits of grazing animals today:

• Grazing can allow a wider variety of plants, fungi, animals and particularly insects to thrive
• Insects that depend upon livestock grazing provide a food source vital to the survival of birds such as swallows and lapwings
• Using farm animals to maintain wildlife habitats is more sustainable and cost-effective than the use of machines over the long term
• Grazing can help reveal and protect natural features of the landscape

How do we choose the breeds?

The breeds we choose to graze the land are carefully selected. The Longhorn Cattle are chosen for their docile nature and varied diet - They don’t just eat grass... they will also browse scrub, bracken and brambles due to their harder palate and tougher tongue.

The Hebridean sheep are chosen for their hardy nature their varied diet.

Advice for visitors:

Although we wouldn’t encourage visitors to approach the livestock, they don’t mind having their picture taken from a distance – in fact, they are rather photogenic so feel free to snap away with the camera!

Do not attempt to pet or stroke the livestock, as this may frighten them.

It is important to ensure that dogs are kept on a lead at all times in areas that contain cattle.

Please close all gates, and respect fencelines and boundaries.

Locations of cattle:

Although locations can vary, you can usually see cattle in these places:

• Templepiece (North Side)

• Oblong (South Side)

• Thoresby Border (South Side)

You can get more detailed information from our Information Point.