We are running a small winter grazing project in the woods from 2026. A herd of up to six Luing cattle will live in the woods from November to March until 2030.
The scheme is similar to those run elsewhere in the Cairngorms, including Abernethy.
The project has been created in collaboration with the Cairngorms National Park Authority, with financial support from the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund. We have also taken advice from organisations such as the RSPB and NatureScot.
The Anagach herd
The cattle will be looked after by a local farmer with extensive experience of forest grazing. They will graze in a quieter, eastern part of the woods, in an area that does not cross any core paths.
The animals will be fitted with “no fence” collars, supplemented in the first year by a temporary electric fence around the grazing area boundary.
These measures should prevent the cattle from being on paths in the area, but please use extra caution.
Why are we doing this?
We want to increase biodiversity in the woods. Heather and blaeberry are outcompeting other plants in this area. Cattle will reduce the height of the heather and blaeberry, allowing other species to thrive.
Cattle tracks also provide passage for smaller animals, such as capercaillie chicks. The cattle create boggy areas, providing habitat for small animals, birds and insects.
Low intensity conservation grazing also supports wildlife diversity; improves soil health, through natural dunging, and maintains open areas within the forest.
Other activities
In October 2026, we will carry out restructuring work in the grazing area.
This will include:
- Felling Scots pine to allow other species, such as birch and rowan to come through.
- Winching over Scots Pine to create dust bowls, used by birds such as capercaillie and deadwood.
- Robo-cutting to reduce heather and blaeberry height. This will make it easier for capercaillie chicks to forage, especially in wet conditions.