Grazing cattle in Sunbury Park FAQs

We have received some questions about the Council's plan to introduce grazing cattle in Sunbury Park and hope that the following information is helpful.

Q1: Why is this being done?
Q2: How many cows will there be?
Q3: Why is grazing more beneficial than using a grass mower?
Q4: Where will the cows be?
Q5: How will the area be secured?
Q6: What about worried dog walkers?
Q7: Will there be any restrictions on access?
Q8: What information has been given about these plans?
Q9: Does the Council have longer term plans for Sunbury Park?
Q10: Will the cows change the Green Belt status?

Q1: Why is this being done?

Sunbury Park has been historically grazed for hundreds of years, right up until the 1950s. The modern grazing regime was first suggested to the Council by the Friends of Sunbury Park as a way of increasing the grassland diversity which was becoming increasingly dominated by less desirable species. Since 2015, approximately nine Aberdeen Angus have been present in the park grazing throughout the spring and summer.

Q2: How many cows will there be?

There will be approximately nine Aberdeen Angus cattle in the park from April or May until October or November. 

Q3:Why is Grazing more beneficial than using a grass mower??

The cows prefer to graze the invasive dominant species of grass which then makes space for more desirable flora such as wildflowers and target grass types. Thanks to the way in which cattle graze, a varied sward will be created which, in conjunction with the cattle's manure, will provide an ideal habitat for invertebrates. An enhanced variety of insects will result in improved feeding opportunities for birds and mammals. Some of the best-preserved areas of Sunbury Park feature Yellow Meadow Ant hills which cattle can easily graze but a grass mower would be unable to access without causing damage to the hills. From 2025, the Council and Friends of Sunbury Park are initiating a new project to survey and monitor the grassland diversity to better understand changes in grassland diversity associated with grazing. More information will be made available at the end of the year.

Q4: Where will the cows be?

The cows will only graze in the main part of the park and not in the area above the Haha by the Walled Garden or in Orchard Meadow.

Q5: How will the area be secured?

The area is appropriately fenced with DDA compliant kissing gates to allow access. A larger kissing gate is installed at the Green Street car park to allow access for push buggies and mobility scooters.

Q6: What about worried dog walkers?

We appreciate the concerns expressed by dog walkers, but the cows are a docile breed and familiar with grazing in sites shared by dog walkers. Like all other parks in the Borough dogs are required to be kept under control and for some dogs this may require the use of a lead. It is the responsibility of the owner to ensure the dog is under control. Please note that livestock worrying is a criminal offence and comes under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953. Cattle incidents in the UK are extremely rare. Livestock graze other sites in the borough, such as Dumsey Meadow, and there have been no disputes with dog walkers. Cattle are grazed in other parts of Surrey where dog walking takes place with no detrimental effect on either livestock or dogs.

Q7: Will there be any restrictions on access?

Access rights are the same for all users and, as with all our parks, we anticipate that dog owners will keep their dogs under control so as not to disturb other users whether they be children, other dog walkers or cattle. The scheme will not prevent residents from walking their dogs.

Q8: What information has been given about these plans?

Following the 2015 grazing trial and subsequent survey, the majority of residents who voted were in favour of the cows returning. Leading up to the 2016 season this result was advertised in the Council's Bulletin magazine and e-news and on its website. Onsite signage is present at all the Park's entry points and notice boards. The precise arrival date will be made available on Council social media as well as posters on site noticeboards at the main entrances.

Q9: Does the Council have longer term plans for Sunbury Park?

The Park is an important area of open space which is highly valued by the local community. The chief reasons for grazing the park is to undertake a more sustainable approach to its management and improve the ecology of the Park. By grazing the park, we hope to encourage a greater floral abundance and diversity, in turn providing a more beneficial environment for faunal species.

Q10: Will the cows change the Green Belt status?

No, using cows as part of the management of the open space will not alter the Park's Green Belt status.