Grazing in the shadow of Stanlow

The ancient cattle thrive on rough grazing

How would you like to live next to one of the country's biggest oil refineries?

A herd of Longhorn cattle graze each year in the Gowys Meadow Nature Reserve next to Stanlow Oil Refinery in Cheshire.

They are known for their docile nature and ability to thrive on rough grazing.

The ancient breed are managed by conservation officer Richard Owen who says the land in Ellesmere Port is well suited to the cattle.

"Stanlow oil refinery is going 24 hours a day, but they don't seem to worry," explains Richard.

"Sometimes you can scent the air is a little bit different but they don't worry.

"They accept it, they live with it and they're quite happy."

Richard's colleague Rob Roberts has an affinity with the herd that has led to him gaining a special title, "The other fella that works with me, Rob, we nickname the cow whisperer," says Richard.

"He can give them a call and they all wander off after him."

The cattle graze in a field next to Stanlow

Rob says he finds the cattles nature a pleasure to work with, "This is a docile breed, very easy to handle, but they've all got different characters and you do get quite attached.

"I'm better with animals than people.

"They don't expect too much as long as you're there for them and look after them they're quite happy."

The brown and white cattle are a hardy and thrifty breed and the Gowys Meadow herd graze next to Stanlow for a significant part of the year, "We bring them here early spring to make sure we keep on top of the vegetation," Richard Owen says.

"Because they're a native breed and have smaller cows when they're born we rarely have to give assistance when they calf, it's a natural process."