Hertfordshire County Council's Countryside Management Service joined forces with volunteers and partners earlier this month at Oughtonhead Common in Hitchin to showcase conservation grazing in action.

The event was part of the celebration of 50 Years of the Countryside Management Service (CMS).

This CMS led event included training in stock checking, a guided walk, talks from ecology experts, and a chance to meet the cattle helping to manage this special, North Herts owned Local Nature Reserve. The newly qualified Volunteer Stock Checkers join a band of more than 300 Practical Conservation Volunteers, co-ordinated by the CMS, who work across greenspaces owned by county, district and borough councils in Hertfordshire. The volunteers improve Hertfordshire's environment for wildlife. Grazing sheep and cattle play an important part in this work; the stock checkers assure the welfare of the grazing animals whilst they are working hard to restore nature (by eating the grass).

Cllr Paul Zukowskyj, Executive Member for Environment, Transport and Growth at Hertfordshire County Council said:

"Celebrating fifty years of the Countryside Management Service is a remarkable achievement and testament to the dedication and commitment of the council, our volunteers and partners. Everyone plays a vital role in keeping Hertfordshire's landscapes healthy, but special praise and thanks must go to the army of volunteers who give up their time to make our countryside diverse and accessible for everyone.

"We are committed to making Hertfordshire the greenest county in the country and our ambition to plant a tree for every resident, over one million trees coupled with the excellent ongoing work of the CMS team will help us to deliver on our priorities for the benefit of all."

The Countryside Management Service continues to lead conservation efforts across Hertfordshire – working with communities to improve wildlife-rich habitats for future generations.

To find out more about volunteering opportunities go here: Countryside Management Service Volunteering | Hertfordshire County Council