Fen Management Handbook - Scottish Natural Heritage

Cattle forced by flooding
to the edge of the fenced
enclosure, Inishroosk,
Northern Ireland
(B. Hamill).
Availability of dry Dry land is important to provide a refuge for livestock to lie
land up on, and because it influences selective grazing patterns.
Generally livestock do not venture onto wetter areas (which are
often those that most need grazing) until they have exhausted
drier areas of grazing. Consequently if the proportion of dry
land is too high, the animals may not venture into the wetter
areas at all.
Shelter Most livestock need some form of shelter, such as scrub or
woodland, either on the fen or on adjacent land (see GAP -
Habitat/Land Management)
Fencing Fencing may be necessary to avoid risk of animals straying
into the wettest areas of the fen, and/or to concentrate grazing
and thereby prevent succession to wet woodland or tall reed.
Intensive grazing at high densities (i.e. well above normal
recommended rates) for short periods of time may be required
at appropriate times of the year (see below) when the ground
is sufficiently dry to support livestock. Careful monitoring is
particularly vital during periods of intensive grazing to protect
animal welfare. Electric fencing may be a more flexible option
for short-term grazing.
Access to water All livestock should have unrestricted access to an adequate
supply of fresh drinking water. Where reliable safe drinking
points are not available on the fen, drinkers should be provided
in sufficiently dry areas to prevent poaching.
Dry land adjacent to areas
subject to flooding provides
safe refuge for grazing
livestock
(B. Hamill).
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