We have struggled for a number of years to get the right number of cattle grazing on our Mill Dam nature reserve, then last May we entered a new relationship with Naomi and Russell Bremner who run Orkney Buffalo from their farm at Schoolhouse, Deerness, on Orkney Mainland.
During that first year we had 20 Asian Water Buffalo on the reserve from July to September and they were a great addition to our team. They have helped us to fulfill the requirements for the ongoing agri-environment scheme on the site and made sure the reserve was better grazed which means it provides a better home to breeding birds this year. Water Buffalo are a durable hardy breed, and have boxy hoofs and well-distributed weight, which makes them well suited to grazing wet areas. They are not picky eaters either and use their horns to break pieces up.
Given last years’ success, we are continuing with the same number of beasts in 2016. The stock are non breeding 1 – 2 year olds that will spend their extended 'summer holiday' on the reserve.
Our warden Paul getting the buffalo settled in
You can see more photos of them from last year on the Orkney Buffalo Facebook page and find out more about our work in Orkney at rspb.org.uk/orkney and facebook.com/RSPBorkney.