FOR the first time in living memory cattle can be seen grazing in Savernake Forest.

A small herd of hardy white park cattle arrived in the forest on Tuesday.

They are being kept in a 40-acre fenced glade between Red Deer Vein and the Grand Avenue.

The grazing scheme involves collaboration between English Nature, the Forestry Commission and the landowners, the Savernake Estate.

It is a five-year pilot scheme, called the Wiltshire Interactive Grazing Initiative, that follows a feasibility study undertaken by English Nature to review the potential impact and benefits to the public who use the forest, the forestry operations and also to estate activities.

It is understood that forest grazing was discontinued more than 60 years ago after the Forestry Commission took a lease on most of the forest.

Until then cattle grazing under the trees would have been an everyday sight, said Patrick Cashman who is the local conservation officer at English Nature's office in Devizes.

The white park cattle are a registered rare breed and they are owned by farmers Jonathon and Pat Holloway from West Lavington.

Because the Holloways live a considerable distance from Savernake, English Nature is looking for volunteer "lookers," who would regularly check the cattle and report back to English Nature if they observe any problems.

Anyone interested should contact David Dodd on (01980) 620590.