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Friday 5 Jun 2026

Ewe won’t believe it! Sheep on track to transform Perth green space

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Network Rail is marking World Environment Day by introducing a flock of sheep to help restore and protect land in Perth in a bah-rilliant boost for biodiversity.

25 Scottish sheep are now grazing within the site, using a natural approach to control invasive plant species and improve the environment, all without the need for herbicides.

The initiative harnesses a simple but effective idea: let nature do the work. By feeding on invasive non-native species such as giant hogweed and Himalayan balsam, the sheep are helping to clear the way for wildflowers, native plants and pollinators to thrive, proving that sometimes the best solutions are the most natural.

Situated on a floodplain, the site is particularly vulnerable to the spread of invasive species. Bringing in the sheep offers a sustainable, low-impact alternative to chemical treatments, helping to maintain a healthier, more balanced ecosystem while protecting its unique heritage planting.

The sheep are being kept in a secure grazing area, and their welfare is being closely managed through daily visits from Network Rail staff and a professional shepherd from D&W Agri, alongside CCTV monitoring of the site.

By avoiding herbicides and encouraging natural growth, the initiative is helping to create a thriving, pollinator-friendly environment and giving the space a new lease of life that’s anything but shear luck.

Mark Allan, track maintenance engineer, at Network Rail, said: “This is a really simple way of looking after the space and tackling invasive plants without using chemicals. The sheep are doing a great job helping native plants and wildlife recover.

“It’s also about making the space safer and easier for people to enjoy, especially local school children, who’ll be able to get much more out of it in future.”

James Morrison, head of sustainability and social value at Network Rail, said: “This is a fantastic example of how working with nature can deliver real environmental benefits.

"These sheep are helping us manage invasive species in a sustainable way, protect a unique historic site, and create a space that can be enjoyed by both wildlife and the local community.”

A spokesperson for The Tay & Earn Trust & Willowgate Adventure Centre, said: "We are delighted that Network Rail are using sheep as part of the management of the Orchard site and its giant hogweed problem. Conservation grazing is an innovative and environmentally friendly way to manage the landscape, helping to control the spread of this invasive species while enhancing the overall health and biodiversity of the Willowgate site.

"The sheep have quickly become part of the story here. Not only are they now our hard working conservation partners, but they have already attracted plenty of interest from visitors and are helping bring a little extra character to the Orchard. At the Tay & Earn Trust and Willowgate Adventure Centre, we are committed to finding practical solutions that work with nature rather than against it, and the four legged workforce is a fantastic example of that approach.

"This initiative also supports our wider vision for the future of the site. We are developing projects that will create new opportunities for environmental education, including school residential programmes that give young people hands-on experience of conservation, biodiversity and the natural world. Alongside this, we are exploring exciting plans for floating lodges that will allow visitors to immerse themselves in this special landscape while supporting Willowgate's long term sustainability.

"We hope local people will enjoy seeing the sheep at work and take the opportunity to explore and appreciate Willowgate as it continues to thrive for both wildlife and the community.”