The Guernsey cows are moved between La Societe’s grazing spots around the island, from L’Ancresse down to Icart, where they support the land’s ecological health and biodiversity by being a natural alternative to mowing.
‘They’re land managers, really,’ said Will Harford-Fox, who has served as herd manager for about 18 months.
‘When they’re grazing, they’re managing the land in a way that’s better for nature. Their hooves are breaking up the soil, and their dung is also really important.
‘If you ever go and look at a pile of cow dung – which I’ve done many times – you can see it’s alive with beetles and insects. They’re very good for the island’s biodiversity.’
When grass is mechanically cut, there is sometimes a layer of grass cuttings left covering the ground which can suppress the growth of anything other than coarse grasses, and thus leave behind an area of reduced wildlife value.
Meanwhile, completely unmanaged land often turns into a wilderness of thorns and scrub.
‘In areas like this, gorse and bramble can take over, so we’re trying to keep it as grassland,’ said Mr Harford-Fox.
During the summer, the cows transfer pastures about every three to four weeks, requiring La Societe frequently to set up and take down the many posts, wires and fences that keep the cows contained.
For their most recent move, the organisation was assisted by volunteers from HSBC, who went along to help as a way to get outdoors and give back to the island.
‘I’m loving it – it’s just one of those unique experiences,’ said Candida Collar, country head of wealth and personal banking at HSBC, whose morning had been spent litter picking, installing posts and putting up electric fences.
In order to enable and encourage more businesses to get involved with La Societe’s work, the organisation offers a corporate membership, giving the island’s businesses a chance to step outside the office and make their contribution to the island’s ecological wellbeing.
‘We do lunch and learns, reserve maintenance, wildlife surveying, coastal clean-ups – there’s a lot on offer,’ said Becky Ogier, La Societe’s volunteer co-ordinator for reserves.
‘We’re basically providing a one-stop-shop for all CSR requirements.’