Newcastle: Researchers from Newcastle University have put GPS tracking devices on cattle to understand the impact of grazing on England’s most important plants and wildlife. The project will be carried out in College Valley, Cheviot.
The cattle used in this project will be the only livestock grazing in this region this summer. They have never been exposed to this area before, forcing them to discover sources of food, shelter, and water. Changing weather patterns will also influence the cattle’s behavior. The data from this research will help in understanding of vegetation and wildlife distribution and abundance. “This will help us gain a better understanding of how the cattle grazing influences the important habitats in the Cheviots and the wildlife they support,” said Mary Gough, farming advisor for Northumberland National Park Authority.
Source: cattlenetwork.com
