North of Shoreham, we have a sheep grazed chalk downland site, turned over to conservation cattle grazing for half a century and Grizzled Skippers have not been recorded.Lynn wrote:Noted comments by Perseus re cattle grazing - all I can do is report what works for us!
People will see that views on the efficacy of grazing with cattle obviously vary. It is of concern to me that newcomers to conservation might be feeling a bit confused! I am always willing to discuss what we do by way of winter cattle grazing and the value of it on our Hampshire reserves. I can be contacted via the Hampshire Branch web site.
Lynn Fomison
On a five acre chalk downland site that is rabbit grazed we have up to 25 Grizzled Skippers in an acre.
I have recently observed Silverweed growing out of a cow pat. As I suspected, I think cattle eat most of the food plants of the Grizzled Skipper but the seeds may pass right through them. In the short term you may find an increase or a surviving number of Grizzled Skippers. It really depends on the density of cattle. One mistake and overgrazing and you may find a wipe-out. I would definitely not advise cattle grazing on small sites and be wary of it on larger sites, without a previous history of it.
However, Grizzled Skippers in theory should survive and may even increase. Not so the blue butterflies though.