Conservation grazing
Native breeds, traditional methods, thriving landscapes.
Maydencroft Manor is more than a stunning venue, it’s the heart of a family-run native breeds farm dedicated to sustainable, low-input farming and pioneering conservation grazing across Hertfordshire and beyond.
Owned and managed by the Williams family, our passion for English Longhorn cattle and heritage breed sheep is reflected in everything we do. We believe in traditional farming methods that nurture animal welfare, enrich wildlife habitats, and restore historic landscapes.
What is conservation grazing?
Conservation grazing is the use of carefully selected native breeds to manage and improve wildlife diversity on sensitive or historic landscapes.
Unlike intensive agriculture, our approach involves:
- Grazing extensively with fewer animals rotated regularly over large areas
- Minimising or eliminating chemical inputs such as pesticides and fertilisers
- Maintaining wildflower-rich grasslands, parklands, and meadows
- Preserving historic land features and habitats
Our native English Longhorn cattle are perfectly suited to this work, eating a broad range of natural vegetation, including aggressive weeds and scrub that can dominate unmanaged land, helping maintain a balanced and thriving ecosystem.
