A rare breed of cattle has been introduced to the grounds of a historic house in North Yorkshire as part of a 30-year conservation project.

The arrival of the White Park cows, thought to be one of the most ancient species of its kind, is the latest phase of the Bog Hall rewilding scheme on the Castle Howard Estate, near Malton.

Their grazing in the newly-sown meadows would “help create a more varied habitat structure”, the estate said.

Head of natural environment, Guy Thallon, said reintroducing animals had been “inspiring for the whole Castle Howard team and beyond”, with further plans to release beavers in the autumn.

Approximately three miles (5km) of fencing has been installed ahead of their release, with badger tunnels and otter passes built to maintain safe routes for wildlife.

“The conservation volunteers have been preparing the site by creating ponds and planting willow,” Thallon said.

“We can’t wait to see the positive impact of nature’s engineers in the coming years.”