THE SEEMINGLY incongruous dual identity of the Barry Links peninsula as a military training area and a Site Of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) was recognised yesterday when the camp welcomed its latest—and undoubtedly hairiest—new recruits.

As part of a joint initiative between Scottish Natural Heritage, the Ministry of Defence and the Strathmore Farming Company, a fold of pedigree Highland cattle have been enlisted to help rejuvenate what is one of the most important coastal wildlife sites in the whole of Europe.

The Barry Links SSSI, including Barry Buddon Camp, consists of an extensive coastal dune system at the mouth of the Firth of Tay with important wildlife and natural habitats including sand dunes, grassland and heath.

If left ungrazed, the delicate ecological balance of the area would eventually be lost due to invading scrub plants and coarse grasses, driving out many of the plants, flowers and insects which occur there.

SNH area officer Shona Hill said, “The Highland cattle will munch through the tough stuff and allow other plants and flowers to emerge.

“Rarer plants will come through and biodiversity on the site will be improved thanks to these animals which, in return, will get plenty to eat.

“They will be a welcome addition to the sand and grasses of Barry Links and we hope to have them here for some time.”

“An area of around 80 hectares has been fenced off in a safe area of the site—one where no weapons training takes place—and water troughs have been put in for drinking.

“Hardy breeds like the Highland can thrive on the rough grazing that Barry Buddon has to offer and they will not be bothered by the noise of firing that goes on in other parts of the site.”

David Soutar, of the Strathmore Farming Company, said, “This is a very hardy breed and they tend to take everything in their stride. Their usual home is poorer upland areas with high annual rainfall and bitter winds where they thrive and breed where no other cattle could.

“They are very good at making the most of poor quality forage and living outside which should make them ideal for the job of helping to keep the SSSI in good condition.”

Major Colin Markie, Barry Buddon Camp commandant, said, “Army training areas probably don’t strike people as hotbeds of nature conservation but, in fact, the MoD is a major landowner and we are keen to do our bit for the environment and the community.

“We take our responsibilities as the owner of a SSSI very seriously and have been working closely with SNH on the plans to restore this important area of Scotland.”