Cattle plans for winter

Hello all,

Further to Jo's question about cattle plans we aim to keep the livestock on site all winter.

Historically we have taken them off, mainly at the request fo the previous grazier as they were concerned about forage levels.  However, as these are our own cattle, they are in very good condition and we are more confident about their ability to find food within the site, we are hoping they will be able to stay on all winter.

As winter progresses we will obviously be keeping a good eye on their condition, particularly their back bone by their tale, and their hips, which is where their condition will deteriorate first.  Should we need to they will be able to be taken off at very short notice but hopefully this will not be the case.

By being on all winter they will have to alter their diet to go from the grasses to the shrubs which means you will likely see them eating more bramble leaves, holly, gorse, oak and birch branches and heather.  All of these are pretty abundant on site, hence our confidence on food availability, and the effect of grazing on these species should be beneficial to the heathland as a whole.

Best wishes

Elliott