Guernsey Conservation Herd

Getting the herd moving

Background

The Conservation Herd was established in 2014 by La Société Guernesiaise. Its purpose is not purely to preserve the Guernsey breed (though the cattle are pure-bred Guernsey steers), but to use grazing as a tool to restore and maintain species‑rich grasslands and other sensitive habitats on the island.

The Conservation Herd is used as a land management tool across the island, including some of the most unique and species-rich grasslands, heathlands and marshland in Guernsey. As has been established for a number of decades and backed up by a wide range of scientific literature, having livestock graze the land in a natural and sympathetic way ensures that habitats are created for a wide variety of plants, invertebrates, mammals and birds. Without the Herd, this land would either be left without appropriate land management or mowed, which results in more uniformity and reduced biodiversity.

La Société Guernesiaise’s Conservation Herd is in need of funding to provide essential repairs to its vehicle to enable the team to continue its work.

About

The vehicle used to transport the herd is crucial to its maintenance and management. It is used for carrying equipment and pulling the livestock trailer so the cows can access the different grazing areas across the whole island. Without this investment, the project would be at risk.

Maintaining the vehicle in a good condition will ensure that the herd can be kept healthy and safe, securing the longevity of the project. There is a strong body of evidence supported by the UK Government, Natural England and the RSPB that has found that the use of cattle is highly effective in managing land for biodiversity. The Guernsey Conservation Herd has been active and highly successful since 2014 and now needs this support in order to continue its work.

Budget

The funds of £10-12k will be used for the repair and maintenance of the Landrover. Major repairs are required on the bulkhead and engine.

Contributions towards International Targets

Global Biodiversity Framework Targets

The UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) sets global goals to protect biodiversity through its targets, most recently updated as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework in 2022. These targets aim to halt biodiversity loss by 2030 and include goals such as protecting 30% of land and sea areas, restoring 30% of degraded ecosystems, reducing pollution, and ensuring sustainable use of natural resources.

Sustainable Development Goals

The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015 to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all by 2030. They cover a wide range of issues, including health, education, gender equality, clean water, climate action, and biodiversity. Each goal has specific targets and indicators to measure progress, encouraging countries to work together toward a more sustainable and equitable future.

Partners

La Société Guernesiaise was founded in 1882 to encourage the study of the history, natural history, geography and geology of the Bailiwick of Guernsey, the conservation of the Bailiwick’s natural environment and the preservation of its historic buildings and monuments. In many respects, La Société Guernesiaise is similar to the UK Wildlife Trusts. However, its activities extend into many other areas, including history, archaeology and astronomy.

Contact us

Please contact us at hello@ukotcf.org

UKOTCF registered as a limited company in England and Wales No. 3216892 and a Registered Charity No. 1058483.