Dexters arrive Oxfordshire’s spring-fed fens are a very important habitat for species such as the strikingly beautiful southern damselfly, delicate marsh orchids and the graceful Grass-of-Parnassus.

Keeping the fenlands in the right condition for these nationally rare species is a key task for the Cothill Fen Project managed by Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust, and one that we need readers help with.

The Cothill Fen Project covers a cluster of varied fens: Gozzard’s Ford Fen, Dry Sandford Pit, Lashford Lane Fen and Parsonage Moor — all located in the countryside between Wootton and Marcham villages.

The wildlife trust’s volunteers were out in all weathers this winter clearing scrub, monitoring water levels, and clearing fence lines to enable fencing at Dry Sandford Pit to be installed in readiness for the arrival of two miniature Dexter cattle to graze.

Grazing is a traditional and successful way to manage the fens. Cattle use their tongues to tear at the tussocky rough grass and this creates the right conditions for insects like the beautiful scarlet tiger moth and flowers such as the delicate marsh helleborine. In July, these flowers will carpet the fen.

The arrival of our black Dexters this spring means we need volunteer stock watchers to help us check they are happy and healthy.

We will give you training so that you know what to look for, and staff support in case of emergency. If you would like the opportunity to get out and about once a week to check on the cattle for just a few months of the year please get in touch, details below.

Reed cutting The reeds at Parsonage Moor and Lashford Lane Fen are essential habitats for insects and birds, but they threaten to overwhelm the delicate plants that need to flourish and maintain the special fenland biodiversity.

And this is where you can go wild.

On Sunday, February 13, we are holding a taster session at Parsonage Moor in Dry Sandford for people to come along and have a go at cutting reeds and clearing scrub. If this is something you wouldd like to do please contact me, details below.

For more information about the Cothill Fen Project and to find out more about volunteering opportunities, please contact me at louiseprint-lyons@bbowt.org.uk or on 01865 775476 ext 237.

Visit www.bbowt.org.uk to find out more about the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust’s nature reserves. Details about Dry Sandford Pit, Parsonage Moor and Lashford Lane are on the reserves page, and there is a link to Google maps for all 80 reserves.

Visit the events page to find out what is on near you, including wildlife discovery days and guided walks.