No Plans to Cull Gloucester’s Cattle, Confirms City Council

Gloucester City Council has confirmed that there are no plans to cull the herds of cattle grazing at Robinswood Hill and Alney Island, quashing recent rumours that had caused concern among local residents.

The council is considering transferring ownership of these two nature reserves to the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust as part of their wider financial recovery and asset management strategy, which also includes reviewing their portfolio of around 270 properties. However, amid these plans, fears arose that the cattle might be culled.

Stephanie Chambers, Conservative group leader for Quedgeley Fieldcourt, addressed the issue after receiving queries from concerned stakeholders. She stated that no official proposal to cull the cattle has been presented and that any decisions remain on hold as further information is gathered. Chambers emphasized that she and her party strongly oppose any culling motivated by budget cuts or cost-saving measures, highlighting the cattle’s crucial role in conservation grazing and the value of Robinswood Hill as a cherished public green space. She added that culling could only be considered under exceptional circumstances involving serious animal health risks with no alternative solutions.

Similarly, Liberal Democrat Councillor Sebastian Field, cabinet member for the environment, reiterated that the rumour of culling the cattle herd is unfounded. He affirmed that these heritage cattle are integral to the ecosystem management of Robinswood Hill and clarified that while the council’s estate management is under review, culling is not part of those plans.

When asked whether this assurance extended to cattle on Alney Island and other council-owned herds, a spokesperson confirmed that Councillor Field’s statement applies to all cattle owned by the council, with no plans for culling or disposal within the next 12 months.