The History of Grazing

Discover the dramatic and historic impact grazing has had on our landscape, and how we're modernising the way we graze our reserves to protect wildlife and restore our wildest places.

A wild boar stood in the undergrowth by Andy Rouse/2020VISION

Prehistoric grazers

Step back in time and walk across Yorkshire’s landscape several thousand years ago and you'd see vast expanse of woodland, moor and heath. Imposing wild herbivores, like boars, aurochs (wild ox) and steppe bison graze between the small, rudimentary settlements that will later become our major cities and towns.

Today, these amazing grazers are thought of as ‘keystone species’. By eating dominant grassland plants and saplings, these giant herbivores shaped our landscape - preventing encroaching woodlands from taking over ancient grasslands, making room for sensitive wildflowers to grow and creating micro-habitats for animals of all sizes to nest, feed and find refuge.

Development of farming

As humans tamed the landscape, many of the grasslands that had once been prime grazing areas for wild herbivores, rich in wild flowers, birds and insects, were converted into farmland. Over time wild grazers were domesticated, and eventually replaced by the common farm animals we recognise today.

Agricultural intensification

After World War 2, Britain saw the rapid development of agricultural intensification. To combat post-war food shortages, farmers were encouraged to increase yields and maximise food production. At this time, long-established rural habitats were cleared for development or ‘improved’ for agricultural farming.

Many of our ancient grasslands have been torn up, drained and reseeded with crops. Since the 1930s England has lost over 97% of its wildflower meadows. The loss of these habitats has had a profound effect on the wildlife species that rely on them for food, shelter and raising their young.

A colourful wildflower meadow in Staveley

Conservation grazing

Protecting the remaining 3% of precious meadows is an essential step to a wilder Yorkshire - that’s where conservation grazing comes in! Using rare and ancient breeds of animals such as sheep, cows and ponies, we’re able to recreate the same natural processes first established by ancient wild herbivores and boost the biodiversity of our meadows and grasslands.

With careful management, these amazing grazers give us the power to create a mosaic of habitats across our reserves. These habitats can resemble anything from the pre-historic grasslands found across Britain during the time of the aurochs to 18th century wildflower meadows.

When it comes to conservation there isn’t a one size fits all approach. By providing varied habitats across our reserves, that resemble a mixture of historical conditions, we’re able to create a blend of wild areas that are ideal for a wide range of wildlife and wildflowers.

Our Conservation Grazing Manager, Charlotte Dring fussing One of our Highland cows wearing a No Fence collar. — One of our Highland cows wearing a NoFence collar

The future of grazing

The way we use the ancient art of grazing to manage our wildlife and wild places is modernising. Since 2021 we trialled fenceless grazing and equipped some of our cattle with GPS collars. These link to satellite technology that create virtual boundaries and keep the cattle in a specific area - without the need for fencing.

This exciting new technology gives us revolutionary flexibility - enabling us to graze previously inaccessible locations, whilst limiting our cattle’s access to sensitive areas, while letting our wild animals freely roam our reserves.

Modernising our conservation management techniques enables us to work more efficiently, allowing us to support Yorkshire’s sensitive wildflowers and build a safer home for our wildlife.

Help us protect Yorkshire’s wildflower meadows

By supporting our appeal, you could ensure your favourite grassland reserves like Strensall common, Potteric Carr and Spurn return bolder and brighter each year, and help create a wilder and more nature-rich Yorkshire!

Help protect Yorkshire's wildflower meadows

Wildlife