Herd the news? Cowboy wanted

11:52am Wednesday 20th August 2008

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WANTED - a cowboy to manage herds at Studland.

The National Trust has launched the hunt for a cowboy or cowgirl.

The charity needs a full-time cowherder to handle grazing cattle on Studland Heath for the first time in decades.

It hopes to revive the traditional style of animal care in Dorset while also protecting some of the country's most important natural habitats.

Countryside manager David Hodd said: "Until the early 20th century, cattle were regularly let onto the heath by local farmers, who benefited from the extra grazing.

"At this time the Studland peninsular was hardly used by tourists.

"In recent years the role of cattle in creating and maintaining this heathland habitat has been recognised as crucial to nature conservation."

Cattle prevent the heathland from becoming overgrown with trees.

Without grazing animals, the heath would eventually lose most of its rare wildlife, and become a more mundane birch, willow and pine woodland.

A 10km area of Purbeck already boasts more plant species than any other area of the UK.

Mr Hodd said: "This is an exciting project to trial cowherding in the UK.

"This practice still exists in Eastern Europe and indeed in parts of Holland.

"We want to see whether this practice can be replicated here, which will allow the internationally important nature reserve at Studland to get the ongoing care it needs."

The cowherder will be bringing the cattle onto Studland Heath in the mornings, tend it by day and return the herd to fields at Greenlands Farm in the evening.

Mr Hodd added: "The advantage of this approach is that as well as increasing grazing, there'll be someone with the animals at all times, so if anyone has questions about the animals or Studland generally there is someone on hand to help."

The National Trust is looking for someone who enjoys dealing with the public as well as having 'exceptional' cattle handling skills, enjoys working outdoors in all weathers, is capable, resourceful and good at working in a team.

The annual salary is £15,364.

The closing date for applications is August 22.