THEY weigh around half a ton and they are boosting biodiversity at a Winchester beauty spot.
The four British White cattle are grazing Whiteshute Ridge in a joint project between the city council and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.
The cows keep scrub and course grasses under control and insects from their dung are a food source for bats and birds.
Gradually their presence is improving the habitat.
Whiteshute Ridge is one of the few remaining chalk downlands that have not been turned over to arable farming. For centuries the downlands were grazed by sheep until the middle of the 20th century.
The cattle also graze other wildlife trust sites including St Catherine's Hill and Hockley Farm. They are hardy and docile, important in an area that is popular with dog walkers.
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