Four Legged Mowers At Hastings Country Park

Hastings Country Park will be the summer home of eighteen pedigree Sussex cattle this year.  Their presence is intended to create flower rich meadows. 

The origins of the species are not clear, but it is likely they have descended for native red cattle that used to roam free in the dense, wooded area of Sussex many centuries ago.  In its original form one of its chief characteristics was its long, strong horns (rather similar in style to those of the old English Longhorn).  They were used as draft animals for several years before being primed for beef production at the age of six or seven. They were bred for their speed in moving across territory, their hardiness when grazing on poor land and their muscling.

Along with many aspects of England, their first record seems to have been around the time of the Norman Conquest in 1066. Four legged lawn mowers have a practical place in Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve.  As it is , these cattle will join a herd of Highland cattle who are already on site to help with the management around the cliff areas. Throughout the winter months Exmoor ponies proved to be both excellent for grazing the land and attracting visitors. 

Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve will be an attractive home for the Sussex cattle breed which are well suited to grazing land which has not been treated with fertiliser.  As natives to Sussex they are used to the normal conditions on the South Coast, which can get quite hot and dry during a good summer.