A herd of grazing cows have returned to a Kent castle where they were first introduced in the 19th century.

The mix of longhorns and Sussex cows were welcomed back to Scotney Castle, near Tunbridge Wells, this week.

Paperwork from the castle's archives shows that the first Scotney herd was introduced in 1896.

The cattle worked on the land until the death of Christopher Hussey in 1970 when the animals were sold.

The herd has been returned to “further enhance” the National Trust’s wilder grazing plans for the site.

Area manager for Kent Wildlife Trust Alison Ruyter, who leads the Wilder Grazing programme, said: “Sussex cattle have the exceptional ability to clear reeds, willow, young scrub, and bramble.

“They are renowned for their calm temperament and work together to look out for each other, even taking it in turns to look after the calves whilst others sleep and forage.

“This is the perfect environment for the herd to thrive and I believe they will make a significant contribution, boosting biodiversity as they go about their usual business.”

The trust said the grounds of the 14th-century castle and Victorian country mansion included a large, wooded estate.

The cattle will be able to use their powerful head and necks to bring down tall woody vegetation to a suitable point for them to eat.

Their strong legs and good feet will allow them to cross the extensive area and rough ground with ease and make significant changes to the site helping wildlife to thrive.

Kent Wildlife Trust has over 800 cattle, sheep, ponies, pigs, and a herd of bison roaming across many of the 90 nature reserves under their management as part of their “Wilder Grazing Strategy”.

The animals in the care of the trust are checked daily by a group of volunteers, wardens, and Conservation Grazing Rangers.