AS A RANGER WITH THE GRAZING TEAM my role is pretty diverse. One day I can be leading a guided walk or doing habitat management work, the next I can be moving and vaccinating cattle. I’ve been with Surrey Wildlife Trust for nearly 3 years now and it’s this diversity within my job that makes it so rewarding.

As far as the cattle are concerned things are starting to settle down at this time of year. We’ve had 55 calves this year, taking the herd up to a total of 282 animals. Most of the herd are on sites where they will spend the rest of the summer. In Surrey these predominantly tend to be heathland sites where they are used to control the rank grasses such as Purple Moor Grass, as well as make some impact on silver birch scrub. This allows some of the more delicate native heathland flora to establish and thrive and in turn support other biodiversity.

With my ranger hat on I’ve started doing more survey work. I look after Barossa and Poors Allotment, a 550ha heathland site on the edge of Camberley. Survey work here has included reptiles, birds, invertebrates and orchids. I also recently ran a very successful nightjar walk where we heard the male birds churring as well as good views of cuckoo and woodcock.

We’ll be keeping you updated with goings on within the grazing team on a regular basis so keep checking back here for more information.

James