The iconic Moiled cows and calves which are helping to maintain habitats and combat invasive species at Oxford Island, were the star attraction during a special visit earlier this month.
Officers from Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon (ABC) Council’s biodiversity team played host to a delegation from the National Parks & Wildlife Service in Ireland, who were keen to learn more about this historic and rare breed of cattle.
Marcus Malley who is the Biodiversity Manager with ABC Council, explained the importance of the Moiled cattle – which have relatively a low environmental impact.
The cattle are used to graze a number of sites across the ABC Borough, including the loughshore area at Oxford Island, where they eat varied vegetation like rough grasses, wildflowers, and scrub, helping to encourage plant diversity and preventing the spread of invasive species like Himalayan Balsam.
The Moiled cattle, which were saved from the brink of extinction in the late 1970s, are smaller than modern-day breeds and are famous for their distinct red or roan coats with a white fine line down their backs. They are also renowned for being highly self-sufficient and having a calm temperament.
The delegation from National Parks & Wildlife Service in Ireland were also given a tour of ABC Council’s Tannaghmore Farm which is home to a number of other rare breed livestock, including Dexter cattle and Galway sheep.
