Another gloomy morning but this time a better view of a stag. He had obviously spent quite a time observing us before we saw him. But once we stood still to admire him he was off, running swifly down the slope among stones low shrubs and small trees. They have such skill over unpredictable ground yet heads stay high. Unlike the cyclists who try to make maximum speed with heads down all the time.
Meanwhile it's now possible to get close to the cattle in the pastures after most of the deep snow has gone. And what's revealed is a newcomer apparently born to one of the heifers during the worst of the wintry conditions. One's first response as always is "How sweet", but this raises many questions. The declared intention of SWT is that no cattle with calves should be on Blacka; we know this was a pledge regarding the moorland section of the site and it was in response to concerns about incidents between cows and people. But it was never made explicit that it did not refer to the pastures which have just the same status as recreation land. And has this birth happened at a time when the grazier was unable to access the site because of deep snow - he lives many miles away in Bradfield? Or did he somehow brave the worst of the winter to attend? Other websites testify to the work that farmers do when calving takes place. There is a nine month gestation for cattle. Did SWT know this was to happen? Normally Highlands calve from February on though it's probably managed differently according to the level of exposure on site. I can see no evidence of wheel marks from tractor or other heavy vehicle being here during the heaviest snow. And when do the others calve? And why was the RAG not told.....etc. ?
2 comments:
How sweet indeed, Its great to see new born animals on the moor, and reading the Highland Cattle Society website, its seems these animals are prefectly suited to these sorts of conditions and land. The calf looks in great health in your photo, altho I'm not a vet!!! I'm sure it would have done more harm if the mother had been moved before the birth. No marks from heavy vehicles also has to be a good thing, less damage to the enviroment, these farmers work long and hard hours nowaday to make a living, what a great reward for him when he walked around his stock on the day this beauiful calf was born.
Hmm, a bit of forced PR here. "No marks from heavy vehicles and less damage to the environment"? I don't see the point of this comment. Perhaps if the lady could see the way that tracks are being made on the grassland by farm vehicles she might think again. As far as being good for the environment goes that could justify staying at home and never checking on your flock because of the 15 mile journey Also of course this post was written before the two rams died indicating things are not so hunky dory.
Post a Comment