Lancashire Wildlife Trust trials virtual fencing to protect nature across North West

Wednesday, 14 May 2025 21:40

By David Murphy

A pioneering conservation project using satellite collars could transform how threatened landscapes are managed in Lancashire

Lancashire Wildlife Trust is working with the University of Essex in a pioneering new study exploring how virtual fencing technology can help restore the region’s most vulnerable habitats.

The trial will use NoFence GPS collars to manage cattle without traditional fencing, allowing livestock to graze freely within set boundaries monitored through an app. The collars issue an audible warning when an animal nears the edge of a designated zone.

The technology will be deployed across several sites in the North West, as part of a research project led by Lucy O’Reilly, the Trust’s conservation grazing officer and a master’s student in animal behaviour at Manchester Metropolitan University.

It marks a significant expansion of the Trust’s conservation grazing programme, which plays a crucial role in maintaining wetland, grassland and heathland ecosystems.

“Conservation grazing is vital for species that depend on open habitats,” said Lucy. “Without proper grazing, sites quickly become overgrown and unsuitable for species like lapwings, otters, orchids and butterflies. This technology allows us to fine-tune our grazing strategy in a way that benefits both livestock and biodiversity.”

The University of Essex is supporting the project by loaning 30 NoFence collars and providing data expertise.

Professor Edward Codling, an expert in animal movement at Essex, said: “This partnership will help us understand how virtual fencing can be used most effectively. We hope the results lead to improved outcomes for wildlife and land management practices in Lancashire and beyond.”

Traditional electric fencing can be costly and difficult to deploy over uneven or remote terrain. By contrast, GPS-based systems offer a flexible and scalable alternative, making it easier to manage large or diverse landscapes.

The collaboration could set a precedent for wider adoption of digital tools in environmental conservation, combining animal welfare, scientific research and ecological restoration.