Last updated on 12 February 2026
Three Sussex cows were released onto Tolworth Court Farm Fields on 10th February 2026, marking the first time in over fifty years that cattle have grazed here. The animals are free‑roaming and will eventually be joined by pigs for a couple of months each year. Their different grazing habits will boost plant diversity, aerate the soil and create a mosaic of habitats. Together, they will help shape a dynamic ecosystem within Kingston’s largest nature reserve, restoring ecological balance and supporting a healthier environment for wildlife and people.
Tolworth Court Farm Fields is a 42-hectare (107‑acre) Local Nature Reserve in Tolworth. The Hogsmill River forms its southern boundary, with Jubilee Way to the north. Its ongoing rewilding is a project partnership between Kingston Council, Citizen Zoo and The Community Brain, with the site set to become one of London’s most significant nature reserves.
Managing the cows’ movement
Ahead of the Sussex cows’ arrival, one of the major developments on the site in 2025 was the installation of a new stock fence. The livestock is managed through a two‑tier fencing system. Each cow wears a NoFence collar, an innovative technology that creates a virtual boundary. This keeps the cattle safely within the reserve while giving Citizen Zoo the flexibility to guide their movement. At first, the cows will be kept to smaller areas as they adjust to their surroundings and the grazing system.
A physical stock fence provides an additional safeguard. The virtual boundary sits roughly one metre inside the fence line, ensuring the traditional fencing acts as a secondary layer of protection.
Sussex cows
For generations, Sussex cattle were bred as a draught animal, used for heavy work such as pulling ploughs, wagons and timber. This long history has given them their hardy nature and well‑balanced build.
Citizen Zoo say: “We are incredibly excited to welcome livestock back to the site and to witness the positive changes their grazing will bring. Carefully managed cattle grazing plays a crucial role in enhancing habitats, increasing plant diversity and supporting a wide range of wildlife, while also reconnecting the local community with traditional land management practices.”
Car parking
As interest in this remarkable local nature reserve continues to grow, CDRA has contacted Kingston Council to request that they explore options for visitor car parking.
Dog walking at Tolworth Court Farm Fields
CDRA’s executive committee member Rob Robb visited Tolworth Court Farm fields with some dog walkers and met with Citizen Zoo’s Ben Stockwell. Read Rob’s review.
The government introduced a new law at the end of 2025 increasing protection of farm animals from dogs. Find out more.
Get involved
Citizen Zoo offer lots of ways to get involved at Tolworth Court Farm Fields including regular Re-wilding Days. Find out more.
Tolworth Court Farm Fields Local Nature Reserve
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