Cows will return to Sunbury Park on June 15 th for the summer grazing season. There were no cows in the Park last year because it was decided that with the Park being such a valuable and well-used area for people to exercise during the Coved emergency when
so many other activities were restricted, it would make sense not to have them during that time. However, now that things have opened up more, they are coming back this year, arriving on June 15 th .
There will be fewer of them this time – nine cows, we understand – and they we will be in the Park probably until the early autumn, maybe about four months. Having cows in the Park is the best way to manage the grassland from the point of view of keeping down the rank grasses and improving bio-diversity - mowing is expensive and difficult in the Park, and the cows’ grazing habit, tearing at the grass and exposing small areas of earth, helps the seeds of wild flowers and herbs to become established.
We are conscious that many people have acquired dogs during the last year or so and may be new to dog owning, and unfamiliar with interacting with cattle in the Park. It is obviously important that dogs are not allowed to approach, chase or harass the cows in
any way, and if you are not sure how they will respond to seeing the cows it is advisable that they are kept on a lead.
The cows are generally docile, keep themselves to themselves, and will not normally approach people in the Park, so families can safely enjoy seeing them and having them around, but as with dogs, please keep your distance and don’t bother them in any way.
If you see any untoward behaviour or incidents involving the cows in the Park, please e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
