Rare bull to boost historic herd

It is hoped the bull will help the herd achieve pedigree status

A rare British White bull has been introduced to heathland in Berkshire to help enhance the landscape and preserve the historic breed of cattle.

The modern breed of British White Cattle can trace its roots to Britain's ancient indigenous wild cattle.

It is hoped the new bull will help boost numbers of the herd on Greenham Common, near Newbury.

The council says the bull poses no risk to human visitors, but dogs should be put on leads if nearby.

If its introduction is a success, the herd on Greenham Common, which has been designated a site of specific scientific interest (SSI) by English Nature, could have pedigree status within six years.

Owen Jeffery, West Berkshire's councillor for the environment, said: "The cattle will be an attractive and useful feature on the common and their white coats make them much more visible to traffic passing along Bury's Bank Road."

Paul Hendry, the council's countryside manager said: "White bulls are generally good natured animals and do not tend to show aggressive tendencies.

"Bulls will usually ignore humans but it is advisable to keep dogs under control."