GRAZING cattle have been returned to Penn Wood for the first time in 150 years in an effort to restore the ancient land it to its former glory.

The Woodland Trust, which bought the wood from private hands in 1999, hope the 18 bullocks will kick start an increase of wildlife to maintain open clearings and turning the area back into a traditional wood pasture.

John Brown, woodland officer, said: "This is a very exciting project to be able to restore this area to wood pasture.

"This system of grazing is an age old practice that dates back to medieval times."

Mr Brown added: "The mosaic of open ground and thicket produced by a grazing regime stimulates small insects, butterflies and beetles as well as ground nesting birds. The small mammal population increases which also leads to an increase in birds of prey.

"The large old trees in the wood will continue to decay increasing the abundance of fungi."

The 18 bullocks are a cross between Friesians and Herefords specially chosen for their placid temperament. Mr Brown said the cows would remain in the woods until April and return in the autumn. He added: "We hope to increase the numbers to 30."

David White who lives in Penn Street village and is a regular walker in the woods, said: "It is a very interesting exercise and adds a bit of character to the woods."

Woodland officer, Mr Brown, also appealed for help from visitors to the wood.

He said: "We would like the help of visitors to the wood to see that the cattle are well and if any regular walkers are interested they should get in touch."

The Woodland Trust was founded in 1972 and is the UK's leading conservation organisation dedicated to the protection of native woodlands.

If you visit the wood regularly and would like to help keep an eye on the cows, contact John Brown on 01933 681295.