Cows could be grazing at Stoke Park by next year if Bristol City Council gives plans to take over the 200-acre site the go-ahead on Thursday. But there won't be city council-reared beef on anybody's plate until 2012.

The council wants to acquire the freehold on the parkland in front of the landmark Dower House alongside the M32 and use it to graze a herd of cattle, producing its own beef for schools and posh restaurants.

Details about the practicalities were thin on the ground at first but now the authority has put more meat on the bones of its plan.

The executive member for environment and community safety Gary Hopkins (Lib Dem, Knowle) and parks service manager Peter Wilkinson gave the Post more details about the scheme and addressed some of the concerns that have been raised.

The council's main aim in taking over the park is to ensure its protection as a green space and encourage more residents to use it.

The authority argues the most cost-effective way of achieving this is by having cows grazing rather than paying for maintenance staff.

About 140 acres of the site will be used for grazing, in five paddocks, a further 50 acres is woodland and the rest scrubland.

Although cows will be fenced in, the public will be able to walk between the paddocks.

The initial herd of about 35 cows would produce its first meat in 2012 – about six tonnes a year.

Stock would be slaughtered at existing abattoirs. There are at least three within a 30-mile radius of the site.

Providing the beef for schools will be trialled at Fairfield and Lockleaze primaries.

Part of the site may be used for allotments due to an increase in interest in recent years. The authority also wants to encourage use of the park by local people, and is looking at providing a shuttle bus direct to the site.

The site is currently owned by a consortium of three developers, but if the council executive agrees to acquire it the authority will receive a £1.2m endowment. This would partly be used to cover set up costs, and Mr Wilkinson hopes to secure further funding from Defra.

Councillor Hopkins said: "None of the beef served in schools currently comes from Bristol and some of it is from outside the UK.

"In these times people need parks more than they ever did, they can enjoy them without spending a large amount of money.

"People would rather see cattle wandering about; they are more cost effective and save food miles.

"They are rather more attractive than the average lawnmower, and use less diesel."

The council is looking at three options for the management of the site.

Cllr Hopkins' preferred option is direct management, so the council would be in charge.

The other options are a tenant farmer or a social enterprise involving the community.

Cllr Hopkins said: "There are some strong arguments for the council doing this, as it gives us some control.

"One problem with a tenant is that they want to get as much stock on the land to maximise their return.

"We have a deer keeper at Ashton Gate, so have some experience in livestock."

On Saturday, the Bristol Post reported how vegans and environmental campaigners were concerned about the environmental harm of methane from the herd and potential health risks to the cattle from animal disease.

Mr Wilkinson said: "Organic herds tend to live a more healthy life. We had to do an environmental impact assessment; this won't lead to people eating more meat than they already do.

"Yes, cows produce methane, but there will be less carbon generated by travel and no net increase in methane."

The council has worked on the plans with the Soil Association.

Phil Stocker, director of farmer and grower relations, said: "This is about using local businesses and suppliers, but creating a more localised supply and trading network that benefits and involves businesses and citizens of Bristol.

"The plans for Stoke Park offer a model that may become far more commonplace as dwindling fossil fuels, climate change, and adapting economies alter the way we source our food and eat.

"Bristol council is demonstrating a willingness to explore innovative solutions to societies current and future needs.

"The Meat Hygiene Service and environmental health officers oversee all meat processing and preparation, with livestock being inspected pre- and post-slaughter.

"All meat is then cooked prior to eating and premises involved in cooking for school children are also governed by environmental health officers."