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Cattle

Many different breeds of cattle can be seen grazing the commons. The hardiest breed is the Welsh Black which can eat woody and prickly plants such as gorse. Other hardy breeds include Belted Galloways and Welsh Black crosses. Other cattle include Limousin or Charolais crosses, South Devons and Herefords.

Cattle can be kept on the common all year round although calves are brought in following calving. Over wintering animals may be fed hay or silage from November until the end of April. There are restrictions on supplementary feeding on Sites of Special Scientific Interest ((SSSI). Designation of a common as a Site of Special Scientific Interest recognises that the site is nationally important for wildlife.

After 20 months, cattle are brought off the common and fattened on the farm before being sold at market.

Belted Galloway Cross

South Devon

Welsh Black Cross

Charolais Cross with Hereford Cross in the background

Hereford Bull