WHAT do Scotland and Thurrock have in common?

Not a lot you may think, but a number of Highland cows are grazing on the fields of Langdon Hills Country Park thanks to the local authority’s rangers.

There are six cows and three calves at the park, with at least one more cow expected to calve within the coming weeks.

Much of the grassland at Langdon Hills Country Park is under Higher Level Stewardship – a Natural England grant awarded to sites managed in an environmentally friendly way.

Under the scheme, Thurrock Council receives funds for maintaining and increasing the biodiversity of the site, as well as specific funds for using native breeds for grazing.

The cattle graze the site between April and October every year, moving between the grass field and scrubland. The country park is also the only place in Essex the grizzled skipper butterfly can be found.

Cllr Victoria Holloway, Thurrock Council’s portfolio holder for environment, visited the park to see the young calves for herself.

She said: “The variety of things Thurrock Council does never ceases to amaze me.

“I would urge as many people as possible to visit the country park.”