Conservation Grazing Walk & Talk

Friday 17th September, 2021
17:00-20:00

Join this ‘Walk & Talk’ at Woorgreens Nature Reserve and learn how conservation grazing is supporting bigger, better and more connected spaces for wildlife in our Forest.

Your walk guide is Kevin Caster, Land Manager West for Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust.

Meet the highland cattle who live on nature reserves in the Forest year round, hearing about the role they play for wildlife. You will find out how we move the cattle, ponies and sheep between sites and manage their welfare. We will identify the mosaic of habitats at Woorgreens and discover how each works for different types of wildlife.  Learn about the threats to diversity here and the work undertaken to enhance areas for wildlife. See the equipment used in habitat management such as alpine tractor, brushcutters, chainsaws, sprayers and how grazing can reduce the need for these interventions. See how the habitats have developed from conifer forest and learn what local wildlife needs from us to survive as biodiversity declines worldwide.

Ticket booking is via Eventbrite here.

Walk Distance: 2-3km or 1.5-2 miles

Charge: free event (completed feedback forms would be appreciated)

Terrain: mostly forest tracks but we will venture into the open habitats at points (uneven ground, strong footwear recommended. Wellies if recent rain)

Hazards: grazing animals and sections of uneven terrain

Dogs: no dogs allowed

Location: Speech House Woodland car park and walk 1km following temporary way marker arrows to meeting point in Woorgreens Nature Reserve. It will take approximately 20 minutes to walk from the parking place to the meeting point for the start of the walk, so please allow time for this. Grid ref so 628 132.

Refreshments: none provided, please bring own.

Welfare: no toilets on-site, nearest Cinderford town centre