ACTION for the River Kennet and Marlborough Town Council are celebrating the return of the Belted Galloway cattle to the meadow at Stonebridge Wild River Reserve.

This week the livestock have been joined by two new pedigree cows, which have been gifted by Ramsbury cattle breeder Sir Martyn Arbib and they have been named Harmony and Poppet by local children.

As well as saving the town council money by reducing the amount of mowing that is needed, the cattle offer the opportunity to provide a modest income to support the upkeep of Stonebridge from the sale of pedigree calves.

ARK are hoping to build up a small pedigree herd and already have plans to show the cattle at the Royal Berkshire Show this year.

Richard Clarke, ARK’s chairman, said: "We are incredibly grateful to Sir Martyn for this extraordinary gift, which is a vital step towards making Stonebridge Meadow sustainable."

Town Mayor Mervyn Hall, said: "It is incredible to see the positive changes at Stonebridge Meadow over the last few years and it is so important to maintain the grazing. This gift is very generous and we look forward to welcoming Harmony and Poppet.”