Cemex’s native cattle breeds’ support for ecology and biodiversity at UK quarries

Hardy native breeds of cattle have been helping 643 Cemex to improve the ecology and biodiversity of land on two of their English quarries  - and now it’s time for the cattle to go back to their farms to be housed for the winter.  The cattle, which belong to local farmers, have been enjoying the rough vegetation at Cemex’s Berkswell quarry near Coventry and Dove Holes quarry near Buxton.

Over Autumn, around 30 cross breed cattle have been gentling munching their way through weeds, rushes, herbs and general vegetation as well as trampling down the ground, which pushes seeds into the soil helping to promote germination for next year’s plants.   

According to 3593 Natural England, “Livestock grazing is essential for the management of many of England’s most important wildlife habitats and plays a key role in maintaining species-rich habitats by controlling more aggressive species of vegetation.”

At Dove Holes quarry in the Peak District, the cattle have been grazing on a five hectare  meadow seeded with a special flower mix to provide food for the declining population of Twites. While at Berkswell, the SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) Marsh Land has benefited from the 11 beef cattle living off the land.

"We look forward to welcoming the cattle back onto the land in the Spring. They are vital to Cemex's ongoing land management plan on the two sites and will, once again, be working for the benefit of nature by doing what they do best .....munching, providing manure and trampling,”  comments Jenny Oldroyd, business conservation advisor.

Cemex has been working in partnership with the RSPB (Royal Society for the protection of birds) for more than seven years to increase the biodiversity of its land holdings and to date has completed over 900 hectares (approximately 1500 football pitches) of biodiversity restoration. Grazing cattle is just one of the many measures developed by the partnership to help wildlife and biodiversity.