Two eco-cows mooved into Richmond Park last week to help conserve a rare habitat.

The British white cross cows are part of a grazing trial to improve acid grassland flowers at the park.

The mother and her calf will be housed in a four hectare enclosure on Sawyer's Hill at the park during the trial which is a partnership between The Royal Parks, Natural England and Hounslow Urban Farm.

The science behind the experiment is that as cows are grazers, they improve biodiversity by creating gaps in the acid grassland, allowing flowers such as harebells to flourish.

Nigel Reeve, community ecologist for The Royal Parks said: "Cattle were a familiar part of Richmond Park's community of grazing animals right up until the mid-20th Century.

"Working with our partners, this exciting study will help us to learn more about how better to conserve and enhance the special community of plant and animal wildlife that makes up the park's acid grassland."

Records show that cattle used to roam Richmond Park in large numbers. There were 114 in 1914 and 50 recorded in 1943.

The effects of the park's cow conservationists will be reviewed annually until 2013 and the number of cattle will be adjusted according to how the flora responds.

Simon Richards, manager of Richmond Park, said: "This project is an excellent example of how The Royal Parks are working with partners in the local area to improve the management of the park both for visitors and for the wildlife for which the Park is internationally famous.

"Since the cows arrived last week they have already been the subject of much positive comment from our visitors."