Paperwork from the castle's archives show that the first Scotney herd was introduced in 1896 working the land until the death of Christopher Hussey in 1970 when the animals were sold.

Visitors to the grounds of the historic Tunbridge Wells landmark can now spot the cattle after the National Trust partnered with wilder grazing experts Kent Wildlife Trust. The herd will further enhance the National Trust’s wilder grazing plans for the site, working alongside a flock of sheep who already roam the area. The animal’s natural grazing behaviours encourage wildlife recovery and adaptation to the changing climate.

The stunning grounds of the 14th-century moated castle and Victorian country mansion include a large, wooded estate and the cattle will be able to use their powerful head and necks to bring down tall woody vegetation to a suitable point for them to eat. Their strong legs and good feet will allow them to cross the extensive area and rough ground with ease and make significant changes to the site helping wildlife to thrive.

Area Manager for Kent Wildlife Trust, Alison Ruyter who leads the Wilder Grazing programme said: “Sussex cattle have the exceptional ability to clear reeds, willow, young scrub, and bramble. They are renowned for their calm temperament and work together to look out for each other, even taking it in turns to look after the calves whilst others sleep and forage. It is not unusual to see one female happily feeding multiple young from the herd, they are an incredibly social unit.

“This is the perfect environment for the herd to thrive and I believe they will make a significant contribution, boosting biodiversity as they go about their usual business. I hope that visitors will enjoy seeing them and that those who are enjoying the dog-friendly nature of the site keep their pet on a lead around all livestock grazing there.”

Rebecca Rees, General Manager at Scotney Castle said: “We are thrilled to be working with the Kent Wildlife Trust on this initiative here at Scotney. The diverse features of the 780-acre estate at Scotney makes it a haven for wildlife and our ambition is to help it thrive. Conservation grazing on the SSSI will result in an increase of habitat that supports the native wildlife of Kent. It also continues the heritage of traditional breeds as part of a working estate.”

Kent Wildlife Trust has over 800 cattle, sheep, ponies, pigs, and a herd of bison roaming across many of the 90 nature reserves under their management as part of their “Wilder Grazing Strategy.” The animals manage the landscape naturally, encouraging wildlife recovery and adaptation to the changing climate.  Staff at Kent Wildlife Trust utilise mixes of old breeds of grazing, browsing and rootling animals across all habitats to mimic natural processes. The grazing species on the reserves act in similar ways to the large grazers that used to live wild in Kent but are now extinct, such as aurochs, elks, and the Steppe bison. 

The animals in the care of the trust are checked daily by a group of volunteers, wardens, and Conservation Grazing Rangers. They look out for any welfare issues, reporting back lameness, illness, broken fences, and site safety issues.