The Patter of Tiny Hooves at Wicken Fen

Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve has recently welcomed the arrival of two Konik pony foals and a Highland Cattle calf born recently at the reserve.

Chosen for their robust hardy nature the herds of Highland Cattle and Konik ponies were introduced by the National Trust for its extensive grazing project a key element of the Wicken Fen Vision, an ambitious 100 year plan to create a landscape scale nature reserve between Wicken Fen and the outskirts of Cambridge.

Extensive grazing is a traditional low cost natural way of managing land which helps to create a variety of habitats for the thousands of species of wildlife that inhabits Wicken Fen and the wider Vision lands. Extensive grazing is typified by a low animal density of around one animal per two hectares (five acres) so that vegetation does not become overgrazed.

Wicken Fen Grazing Warden, Carol Laidlaw provides a unique in-sight into Wicken Fen's cattle and ponies and the Trust's extensive grazing project in two short video films which can be found on the Wicken Fen website www.wicken.org.uk. Carol will also be leading a Konik Pony Walk on 9 May and a Konik and Cattle Walk on 6 June at Wicken Fen. Early booking is recommended for both events.

The Highland Cattle and Konik ponies are ideally suited to year round grazing on grassland and wetland habitats found at Wicken Fen. The cattle and ponies have varying grazing patterns which in turn create a variety of habitats. The Konik ponies snip vegetation with their incisors grazing the sward down to one or two centimetres, whilst cattle graze by pulling or tearing vegetation with their tongue and mouth. The Konik ponies were introduced to Wicken Fen in 2001 and the Highland Cattle in 2005, since this time they have reproduced and both herds now have in excess of 40 animals.

Launched in 1999, the Wicken Fen Vision is a 100 year project by the National Trust to create a 56 sq km 'green lung' for Cambridgeshire and the East of England and will involve the Trust acquiring approximately 5600 hectares of farmland which will be managed for nature conservation. The Trust aims to re-establish a mosaic of fenland habitats helping to protect many threatened and endangered species of wildlife whilst attracting new species to the area. The reserve will also significantly enhance public access to the countryside for leisure, recreation, exercise and education.

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Notes to Editors

1. Tickets for the Konik Pony and Koniks and Cattle guided walks on 9 May and 6 June (10.30 - 12.30) cost £6 adults, £3 children - minimum age requirement of 7 years + applies. Bookings can be made through the Wicken Fen Visitor Centre on 01353 720274.

2. Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve runs a full programme of recreational and educational events throughout the year. An Events brochure is available from the Wicken Fen Visitor Centre - Tel 01353 720274 or can be viewed online at www.wicken.org.uk

3. The National Trust is Europe's biggest conservation organisation and looks after special places across England, Wales and Northern Ireland for ever, for everyone. People and places are at the heart of everything it does. 3.5 million members, 50,000 volunteers, 500,000 school children, and millions of visitors, donors and supporters help the Trust look after its 300 historic houses and gardens, 700 miles of coastline and 250,000 hectares of open countryside. www.nationaltrust.org.uk.