Engaging a shepherd on the various merits of rare breed sheep was the last thing civil servant Wayne Blair expected to be doing on his lunch break in London’s Green Park.

But for Mr Blair, the sight of sheep grazing in the heart of the city was enough to warrant a few questions, not to mention the obligatory mobile phone snap.

“It’s a fascinating thing to see,” he said. “It’s hardly the norm in London. I’m intrigued.”

In fact, as shepherd Tom Davis revealed, grazing sheep could soon become a common sight in the Royal Parks if a trial project to revive Britain’s wildflower meadows, backed by the Prince of Wales, is successful.

“Sheep are kinder to the land than a tractor or mower,” Mr Davis said, as he prodded his crook in a bale of straw.

“They will graze on the tougher vegetation and at the same time, push seeds into the ground to promote germination for next year.”