Helping the Herdwicks stay safe
21 December 2011
Some very special volunteers will be keeping Ainsdale’s nature reserves in top condition this winter and they need fencing to keep them out of the waves and off the road.
Around 200 Herdwick sheep graze Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve and Ainsdale and Birkdale Sandhills Local Nature Reserve – their munching maintains the open conditions needed by the special species that live there. These hardy, natural lawnmowers save staff at both reserves a lot of back-breaking work, but they have to be contained in grazing enclosures for their own and the public’s safety.
Sheep grazing brings down the height of the vegetation, which in turn attracts rabbits. The rabbits maintain the short turf, bare sandy pools and open spaces required by many of Ainsdale’s specialties. The reserve is home to 430 species of flowering plant, a unique race of jewel-like sand lizard and around 40% of British population of our loudest amphibian, the natterjack toad. To survive, all require the open conditions created by the sheep and rabbits in tandem.
Fencing for the sheep has existed at the reserve for 20 years, but will be replaced this month following recent vandalism that saw it cut in 40 places. The sheep, which are lent by a Cumbrian hill farmer, escaped from their enclosure near the busy coast-road. Fortunately the runaways were spotted by a regular visitor, who promptly alerted the reserve warden, Tony Meadow. With able assistance from sheepdogs ‘Tato’ and ‘Molly’, Tony rounded up the 80 escapees and the potential for a traffic incident was averted.
Natural England’s Senior Reserve Manager, Dave Mercer said “The Herdwicks do a terrific job grazing down the competitive plants, allowing the more fragile or delicate species to thrive. We’ve some real rarities, like seaside centaury, and without the sheep they’d be gone. The sheep help to maintain this exceptionally important environment and as we’ve borrowed the herd, it’s important we take care of them. The wonderful Sefton coast has large areas open for all to enjoy, all that we ask is that anyone wishing to explore the sheep enclosures on the National Nature Reserve obtains a free permit from our office by calling 01704 578774.”
Natural England and Sefton Borough Council are working closely with the police to investigate the criminal damage to the fences and ask that anyone with information about the vandalism contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
For further information, contact Lyndon Marquis, 0300 060 4236, lyndon.marquis@naturalengland.org.uk
About Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve
The reserve is one of the most important wildlife sites in England, and a place where visitors can get close to nature. The landscape is perfect for a leisurely stroll through the magnificent scenery of dunes, pinewoods and golden sands, while children can enjoy the wide open spaces of the huge sandy beaches. This is one of the best remaining strongholds of the rare natterjack toad, Europe’s loudest amphibian. Red squirrels can occasionally be seen in amongst the reserve’s pine forests too, while sand lizards, great-crested newts and a fantastic variety of orchids and other wildflowers can also be found here.
About Natural England
Natural England is the government’s independent adviser on the natural environment. Established in 2006 our work is focused on enhancing England’s wildlife and landscapes and maximising the benefits they bring to the public.
We establish and care for England’s main wildlife and geological sites, ensuring that over 4,000 National Nature Reserves and Sites of Special Scientific Interest are looked after and improved. - We work to ensure that England’s landscapes are effectively protected, designating England’s National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and advising widely on their conservation.
We run Environmental Stewardship and other green farming schemes that deliver over £400 million a year to farmers and landowners, enabling them to enhance the natural environment across two thirds of England’s farmland.
We fund, manage, and provide scientific expertise for hundreds of conservation projects each year, improving the prospects for thousands of England’s species and habitats.
We promote access to the wider countryside, helping establish National Trails and coastal trails and ensuring that the public can enjoy and benefit from them.
