PROGRESS REPORT

Now only 9 cows doing what cows do to land, making a ****** mess. All reservations before the introduction were met with blithe and superficial assurances that they would be kept away from paths and gates. They would be busy where they could make a significant impact on the chosen areas of vegetation.

How was this to be accomplished asked those with a lifetime's experience of observing or working with cattle? Ahhh! the magic ingredient in the whole operation is the mineral lick - this was the story. They stay near the licks and keep off the places we don't want them to go.

A mineral lick in this elegant container positioned conveniently close to a main gate on a bridleway. One animal has been using it for target practice.



I have now walked past this lick 6 times since it appeared. At no time has there been a cow anywhere near. Where could they be?

They were of course walking around the site on the footpaths, now reduced to squelchy mud, as they ate the grass to either side.

There will certainly be two reactions from SWT after this years cattle grazing.

1 They will tell us what a wonderful job the cows are doing while being totally unable to point to any 'improvement'.

2 They will plan to increase the numbers of cattle as this year was always intended as a softening up exercise for local people.