Network Rail find Pastures New
Nework Rail have helped to unlock a grant to protect rare grasslands in Bedfordshire. Every pound Network Rail donated has unlocked a further £11 from a grant pledged by SITA Trust. This funding will support our Pastures New project which aims to restore 5 lowland meadow nature reserves by developing a conservation grazing programme.
Rare breed sheep and cattle will eat the coarse grasses, brambles and scrubby bushes, allowing fine-leaved grasses and fragile wildflowers to flourish. The Pastures New project will install fencing water supplies and handling pens in order to care for sheep and cattle on the reserves as well as putting in signage to tell visitors why the livestock are there.
Staff from Network Rail will also find out first hand why the project is so important by taking part in a team building day to help clear excessive scrub from areas of the reserve that the livestock can’t reach.