Ancient Cows Rewild North Yorkshire Estate

A significant conservation effort has commenced at the historic Castle Howard Estate in North Yorkshire with the introduction of rare White Park cows. These cattle, believed to be one of the oldest native breeds in the British Isles, are central to the Bog Hall rewilding scheme, a 30-year project aimed at transforming 440 acres of agricultural land.

The White Park cows will live outdoors year-round, contributing to habitat restoration through their grazing on newly sown meadows. This introduction marks a key phase in the project, which began in 2024. Volunteers have been instrumental in preparing the site by creating ponds and planting willow.

Further ecological enhancements are planned for the autumn, with the anticipated release of beavers to join the conservation efforts. The project prioritizes maintaining safe passage for existing wildlife, evidenced by the installation of approximately three miles of fencing, complete with badger tunnels and otter passes.

This initiative, a partnership with Environment Bank, aims to create a thriving space for nature, with parts of the estate already designated for conservation. Educational elements are also incorporated, as local schoolchildren designed signage for the protective fencing.