Grazing at this time of year: A quick note following on from Joanne's post below.

Joanne will not be alone with her concerns for the cattle during these leaner months, we fully understand (and are grateful) for your thoughts on our herds well being). I t’s good to know you are out there! : ) But please don’t be worried. At this time of year all of our cattle on all of our sites will be changing their diets to woodier vegetation such as bramble, heather, and gorse, and in doing so they are doing a fantastic job of keeping the scrub in check! All very normal, very natural. Get fat in the summer, leaner in the winter. Rest assured we keep a watchful eye on their condition at this time which is of course reinforced by your good selves. Mineral blocks ‘licks’ are sent out to supplement those sites where the cattle are a getting a little thin. In Bramshot’s case, the girls are fat with plenty of ground  / forage : ) Our stocksman (Jack) is very happy with their progress. So again, please don’t be concerned at this time of year. And importantly, please, please don't feed them as this not only affects their diet but their grazing habits which in turn effects the site as a whole. They do a fantastic job, but they must have freedom to express normal behaviour.

Thank you Joanne : ) And thank you one and all for your efforts! They are as always greatly appreciated. And Merry Christmas!