A family of cows who have been enjoying life in Ballyloughane will be extending their stay for a few more weeks.
Five Dexter cows have been grazing grassland in Ballyloughane s part of Galway City Council’s pilot biodiversity project ‘Buaile Bó Ballyloughane’.
They were due to return to their home last month, but will now remain in place until the end of April to keep working their way through the heavy grass on the headland.
Speaking about the pilot so far, Paula Kearney, Biodiversity Officer commented, “We have been monitoring the effects of grazing very closely and are really pleased to see the result.”
“The grass is being well grazed, the thatch is being removed allowing spring flowers to emerge, and birds are finding refuge in the paddocks.”
The purpose of the project was to get rid of the heavy grass in a sustainable way to make room for a natural wildflower seed bank.
It also creates a safe space for birds such as the sky lark, meadow pipit and snipe to feed and nest.
“There is a bit more work for the cows to do so we are extending their stay to the middle or end of April depending on grazing. We would sincerely like to thank the local schools and residents for their engagement and interest in the project.”
“The two cows ‘Mootilda’ and ‘Ashley’ are in calf, expecting to return in autumn with two new calves, for the local children to name.”
