NATURE lovers who got together to protest against plans to introduce cattle at Stour Valley Nature Reserve say Bournemouth Council has ignored the majority in pressing ahead.

After a series of meetings and consultations, the authority wants to introduce 10 cattle into three sections of the reserve.

But protesters in the form of the Friends of Stour Valley say that, at one of the open forums held in Kinson over the plans, a vote saw 86 per cent of people against cattle grazing.

Those opposed to the plans also gathered a petition of more than 800 signatures.

Bronwen Pendray, from the Friends of Stour Valley, said the sections the council wanted to fence off for cattle were “by far the largest meadows on the Stour”.

“Sadly this does not equate with the thousands of users per year who love this beautiful area.

“This is the only public open space left in our area for people such as families, walkers, joggers, dog walkers, cyclists, bird and wildlife watchers to relax and wind down after the hurly-burly of modern day life,” she added.

Cllr Rod Cooper, cabinet portfolio holder for housing landlord and parks, said cattle grazing was “a sustainable way of managing grassland and would help to retain and improve wildlife diversity”.

He added: “During the consultation period we have taken all feedback into consideration and we have spoken to the North Bournemouth area forum about our plans. As a result, and following discussion with ward councillors and our portfolio holder, the original proposal to introduce seven grazing compartments has now been reduced initially to three and we will only graze the reserve between May and November. Each compartment will only be grazed up to a maximum of six-to-eight weeks per year.”

Cllr Cooper said people would still be able to walk through the areas and said that similar schemes at other reserves, such as Hengistbury Head, had been successful.

The council will ask for feedback once the scheme has started.