A moo-ving target: fenceless grazing widens possibilities for cows and wildlife

GPS collars that alert cows when they reach a boundary are helping to improve habitats and boost biodiversity

There is something missing from the bucolic upland scene of shaggy, bracken-coloured cattle grazing between young trees on the Cumbrian hillside: fencing.

When the Highland-cross cows reach a certain point, the blue plastic medallion dangling from their necks plays a melody like a mobile phone ringtone. The cow turns around, and the invisible GPS fence has done its job.