Cows return to 'secret forest' at Franchises Lodge, left untouched for over a century

CATTLE have returned to graze unwanted plants in a "secret forest" left virtually untouched for over a century.

Franchises Lodge in the New Forest is now a 1,200-nature reserve which was taken over by the RSPB in 2018.

Now a herd of ruby Devon cows belonging to commoners Andrew and Sarah Parry-Norton have become the first to roam there, helping to get rid of unmanaged growth and allow some of its rarest flora to flourish.

Andrew, who is a member of the New Forest Marque scheme to recognise local produce, said it will not be just the land that benefits.

The cows will also do well from having a more natural diet which will make them healthier and produce beef of a higher quality.

He said: "The beef produced by the Devons grazing at Franchises Lodge will have a fine texture and marbling in the meat thanks to more natural growth.

“This beef will then be sold stamped with the New Forest Marque which is awarded to produce which has been grown, reared, caught, brewed, produced or processed within the New Forest."

Franchises Lodge was purchased with a £200,000 contribution from the national park authority and a £50,000 donation from Friends of the New Forest.

The RSPB is hoping the woodlands will revert back to mostly broad leaf trees with the cows helping to spread their seeds and stunting the growth of rhododendrons and conifers.

Paul Walton, head of environment and rural economy at the NPA, said: "Franchises Lodge is a key area for wildlife, linking the open Forest habitats with a nature reserve on the edge of the national park.

“This scheme is a fantastic example of the collaborative work around the New Forest, ensuring our precious habitats are bigger, better and more joined-up, extra back up grazing for the commoners' livestock and supporting local food production."