Grassland grazed by cattle and sheep can be more ecologically interesting than grassland grazed solely by sheep. Sheep tend to graze the sward more closely leaving a lesser area of habitat. Curlew are thought to feed on some of the invertebrates associated with cattle dung. The Curlew Country study area is much affected by TB. Farmers dread this disease being found in their cattle herds and the devastating consequences that this can cause. Some have chosen to give up keeping cattle altogether.
Curlew Fact
Curlew chicks need medium height grass to keep them hidden from predators.