A GRAZIER has helped create a unique approach to wildfire prevention with a community cow-sharing scheme.
The Gower Commons is one of the most significant lowland heathland areas in the world, but each spring it goes up in flames killing animals such as ponies, and burning bird nests and carbon-storing peat.
Penmaen grazier Emma Douglas links the increase in wildfire severity with a decline in graziers on the commons, with cattle playing a crucial role in keeping the flammable molinia (purple moor grass) at bay.
Due to bovine TB restrictions and the dangerous nature of grazing on commons with increasingly busy roads, the 40-year-old has watched the slow “abandonment” of the land by graziers and their herds.
A few years ago, Emma decided to do something about this, collaborating to establish a Community Supported Agriculture group, Cowtan (Cow Fire), pooling funds to buy a herd for the commons, reducing the molinia and in doing so, boosting the biodiversity of the protected landscape.
Read more on www.tenby-today.co.uk/news/926106
