CATTLE are now grazing the Malvern Hills in the latest bid to combat the encroachment of scrub and saplings.

Sixteen Galloway cattle have been introduced to the area between North Hill and Wyche Cutting by Malvern Hills Conservators.

The hardy Highland breeds have been chosen because they are used to rough, steep terrain and are fairly relaxed animals unlikely to be disturbed by visitors or dogs.

The Conservators have already had success with flocks of sheep since restoring grazing to the hills two years ago.

"By March they had eaten all of last year's growth of weeds and scrub," said shepherd Richard Smith.

But while the sheep had transformed the southern hills, the northern hills had a greater depth of soil and more chance for brambles to take hold, he said.

Conservation officer David Whitehorne said it was useful to have cattle there, at least in the initial stages, because they were less selective in what they would eat and could push their way through thick vegetation.

"The vegetation has grown unchecked for 20 or 30 years and we want to recreate the conditions that used to exist," he said.

The cattle are contained by temporary electric fencing, which will be moved about every two months to cover 10 different grazing areas.