WILDLIFE campaigners have launched a £39,000 public appeal to buy a herd of cows to help it manage a new nature reserve at Cricklade.

But members of the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust are not interested in just any old herd of cows.

Their fundraiser, Michele Gard says a special conservation herd is needed to manage the 235-hectare reserve at Blakehill Farm.

She said: "The problem with modern cattle is that they are picky eaters. The vast meadows at the former wartime RAF Blakehill airfield are being restored to their original, wildflower-rich glory but modern cows just won't do the job. They are bred to mature quickly, choosing only the most nutritious grazing. This means they ignore the invasive grass species which in turn puts the delicate wild plants under threat.

"What we need is a traditional, rare-breed herd, from a breed such as Belted Galloway, Sussex, Red Poll or Highland cattle, which are capable of converting the roughest pasture into lean meat, and happy to survive in adverse weather conditions.

"Traditional cattle are also lighter on their feet, which means that they don't churn up the ground - and the wildflowers - as they go."

The £39,000 the Trust is appealing for will buy, set up and manage a conservation herd as well as purchase a tractor and other equipment needed to maintain what is one of the UK's largest natural hay meadows.

The WWT is asking people to contribute £25 towards the cost of buying a cow and say donors will be rewarded by being able to enjoy the glories of an all-but-vanished landscape.

Michele said: "Sadly, 97 per cent of the UK's wildflower meadows have already been lost.

"But with the help of Wiltshire people we may have a chance to witness a vast swathe of countryside carpeted with wildflowers once again."

If the appeal is successful WWT say it will unlock another £200,000 of government funding.

Anyone wishing to make a donation by ringing Michele on (01380) 725670 extension 226.