Horses towing machinery were used to mow a Hackney park as part of a new trial by the council to evaluate eco-friendly ways to protect green spaces.
Daniel Brown and his two Oakwood Clydesdales, Tooky and Carina, spent the days mowing, harrowing and bailing in Springfield Park in Hackney on March 19 and 20.
This is part of a wider trial, initiated by Hackney Council, to change the way park-land in London is managed.
It attracted a crowd of around 60 children and Brown said: “Horses have always been my thing.
“It was great to see a large crowd.”
Brown, a carriage driving and land management specialist, uses a finger mower and chain harrow, both towed by his two animals, to remove the grass in a way that allows the ground to breathe.
The horses have less impact on the earth than a tractor as their hooves do not compact the soil and the speed at which they work creates a haven for local wildlife and wildflowers.
Brown, whose family has been working horses since the 1980s, emphasised the importance of initiatives like this, especially in a more urban context.
As well as boosting biodiversity in the area the beautiful animals created a welcome spectacle for the community.
Local residents Annette and Rose saw Tooky and Carina in action last week.
Annette said: “The first thing you think is a film shoot, but then we realised it was real.
“It was reminiscent of bygone days.”
Dates are yet to be confirmed, but Brown mentioned that himself and his two large friends may be back in Hackney in July.
Images and video: Daniel Brown, with permission
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