Buffalo helping the restoration of 'special place'

WATER buffalo are playing a vital role in helping to shape the West Exmoor landscape naturally without the need for heavy machinery.

- ATHWENNA IRONS [e-mail]

The 120-acre site at Tattiscombe, cared for by the National Trust, includes wood pasture, grassland, hedgerows and wetlands.

The buffalo's arrival marks a new chapter in the restoration of this "special place", the charity says, helping to "connect habitats and boost biodiversity".

Known as 'wetland architects,' the bovines use their hooves to churn soil, create wallows and keep pools open - slowing water flow and helping it settle naturally. Their browsing behaviour clears scrub, making space for wildflowers and other species to thrive, which in turn supports insects, birds and mammals.

Murray Sharpe, farm manager for the West Exmoor National Trust, said: “Buffalo are specialised wetland animals, and this site offers an ideal habitat for them. They're hard, disease-resistant and able to thrive on rough forage. Their thick skin and natural wallowing habits make them more tolerant of flies and ticks than cattle, which means they're well-suited to this landscape.