HARDY cattle are set to return to an historic Cumbrian common 40 years after they last grazed there.

Breeds such as the Galloway, Beef Shorthorn and Blue Grey are to be introduced to parts of Crosby Ravensworth common, in Eden, next summer.

They will help to protect valuable flora and fauna and enhance the limestone and heathland landscape.

Farmers will work closely with the Natural England (NE) scheme, which follows a similar project launched in 2003 at Helsington Barrows, near Kendal, where David Willison, of Cinder Barrows Farm, brought in 15 Galloways.

Tenant farmer Mr Willison said: “It has been a great success. The cattle live there all year round. They’ve achieved the objectives and there are plants and flowers up there that we never used to see.

“Previously sheep had grazed the land and blue moor grass was taking over and smothering out plants. English Nature and the National Trust wanted different management and cows can achieve that.”

About 100 cattle will be placed at Crosby Ravensworth – designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

NE spokesman Will Herman said: “Cattle graze less selectively than sheep and their introduction will allow the rich diversity of plants to flourish.”

The organisation is consulting local people and parish councils at a series of meetings in Appleby and Orton.

Mr Willison added: “The biggest issue is providing the cattle with enough water. We have to take water up in a bowser as there is no stream.”