Nature reserve calls in 'Flying Flock'

The flock of 600 Hebridean sheep, owned by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, are used as woolly conservation assistants by conservation grazing manager Ellen Fairbank.

Ms Fairbank said: "The flock of sheep are known as a 'flying flock' because they are often moved from one nature reserve to another according to the grazing requirements of each reserve. This means they can be moved several times within a year."

Conservation grazing is used to cut back certain plants and allow a variety of plants to grow, encouraging a more diverse range of species.

The Hebridean breed is used specifically as they are small, hardy and good at selectively eating dominant plants, grasses or weeds.

Over a 12-month period, the sheep graze a range of habitats from heathlands at Strensall Common and North Cliffe Wood to old quarries at Kiplingcoates and Wharram.

Ms Fairbank added: "The sheep are very accustomed to being loaded in and out of the trailer. They often run straight into the trailer without prompting and appear to enjoy moving. I think they have learnt that a ride in the trailer usually means an interesting, new place to explore with fresh and tasty plants to feed on."

Lowland grasslands in the UK have declined by 97 per cent since the Second World War, so the Trust says its conservation grazing programme is vital in the effort to protect these habitats and the wildlife that live there.

Using livestock to graze nature reserves has proved to be a more successful than cutting the grasses.

"If cutting is used to manage certain areas of grassland all the plants would be cut at the same time meaning many may not have the chance to flower and seed. Well-planned livestock grazing can create uneven sward lengths which provides good, varied cover for ground nesting birds such as lapwing and small mammals," said Ms Fairbank.

The wool from the sheep is used to create hats, gloves and other products available to buy from the Trust.