Rail siding's new role as wildlife haven

Wogden Foot was a railway siding on the Sheffield-Manchester line that passed through the Woodhead tunnel and has

Following the closure of the route in 1981, the site has developed into a mixture of scrub, open grassland and heath.

Now, six Dexter cattle and several Herdwick sheep have been introduced to munch their way through the growth and are reportedly doing well.

A Meet the Animals event tomorrow will allow visitors to see them “at work”.

To join the event meet at the Trans Pennine Trail car park, Dunford Bridge, at 11am. The group will then walk down to Wogden Foot.

“Cattle and sheep grazing is essential to reduce the growth of tree saplings and grasses in order to help improve the acid grassland and heath areas of this species-rich site,” said John Paul Ward, of the Coalfield Heathland Project.

The event is free and suitable for families - although an adult should accompany children under eight-years-old - and people are advised to wear suitable footwear and clothing.