Historic and rare breeds of cattle could soon graze alongside families enjoying picnics in Cassiobury Park if a 'rewilding' scheme goes ahead.
Environmental groups are keen to recreate a more natural ecosystem in the park, with herds of grazing animals and wildflower meadows replacing lawnmowers and bare grass.
Highland cattle are among breeds being considered as a 'charismatic' species after other schemes elsewhere in the country, such as the reintroduction of British Longhorn at Wanstead Flats, where cows were once notorious for straying into people's gardens.
Read more: Volunteers needed to help look after cows on Wanstead Flats
But fears that herds would roam across Watford could be allayed with GPS-collar technology, which helps contain the cows by emitting alarm noises when they reach a virtual boundary - removing the need for electric fences.
The scheme is the idea of the Cattle Utility Directorate (CUD), whose president Irma U Shaw said: "People love Highland Cattle, with their floppy fringes and quizzical expressions. They would be the perfect species for Watford's flagship park.
"We are sure the scheme could be made financially sustainable, with the munching cows keeping grass short while also producing a steady supply of fertiliser that the council could sell on.
A Highland cow. Photo: Gerhard G.Pixabay
"They were traditionally kept in Scotland for milk and meat, so Cassiobury-reared produce could even find its way onto Watford dinner tables."
She also played down any fears the beasts might be dangerous, adding: "Studies have shown that living in herds reduces any aggression in the animals as there is a clear social hierarchy."
She added: "We hope to one day introduce other historic species, such as the now-vanished aurochs, woolly mammoths and perhaps even some natural predators such as wolves and sabre-tooth tigers."
- Yes, this was an April Fool's Day article.
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