Parks Trust in MK announce return of sheep to Campbell Park

The Parks Trust has announced the return of sheep to Campbell Park in Central Milton Keynes.

The flock of sheep at the site will enjoy grazing the large grass areas of the park, with the Parks Trust saying the sheep form a part of their farming operations. Grazing livestock are used by the trust as a sustainable and natural way to help manage the city’s landscapes.

Grazing sheep and cattle help to maintain wildlife habitats, creating better conditions for a variety of wildflowers which in turn attract many pollinators like bees, butterflies, and other insects as well as birds and larger animals.

The Parks Trust also said that livestock helps reduces the frequency of needing to use heavy machinery to mow the grass, which also requires removal of the cuttings. If the cut grass is not removed, the nutrients enrich the soil and promote strong grasses that outcompete the growth of wildflowers.

Head of Operations at The Parks Trust, Frank Gill, said, “using sheep to naturally manage some of the landscapes in Milton Keynes has a lot of benefits, and they’re a popular addition to the parks.”

Park users are advised to keep clear of the sheep and take particular care when travelling through grazing areas. Cyclists are advised to slow down, and dog owners are reminded to keep dog’s close, calm and on a short lead, keeping a distance from livestock where possible.