Hounslow Heath's cows proved they are the cream of the crop by helping the nature reserve scoop a top farming award.

The introduction of hay cutting and grazing livestock was hailed by judges at Natural England's Future of Farming Awards 2008.

Ecologist Chris Slack, who manages the 246 hectare site on behalf of Hounslow Council, was praised for 'demonstrating high levels of innovation in land management within the pressures of an urban setting'.

His work to improve the heathland has helped increase rare species like bittern and led to the re-introduction of the adder and water vole.

Chris, senior ecologist at Continental Landscapes, won the regional round of the annual awards and will go on to the final on November 19.

He said: "I'm really chuffed to have won this award! I've been working in the London region for twelve years on urban grazing and at times it has been a struggle.  It's excellent to get our work recognised after all this time."