Had a look at 12.30. Found all 4 amongst the gorse in J7, J8. No problems.

All 4 found fit and well this morning browsing a variety of stuff, windblown fir twigs, etc in G7 along the path.

Wednesday 27th December.

All four cattle were in H13 this afternoon happily munching away on heather. All looking fit and well.

Trough working ok.

Looked Thursday 10.30
Found cows in N11 grazing on the gorse. All looked clean and healthy, no problems.
Trough full - no ice!

Tuesday

All four were stood in the open seemingly enjoying a bit of sunshine on them., just standing still and looking please to be in the sun.

All looked fine.

Looked at 11.00. Found the cows in I13, J13 grazing on gorse and bramble, moving towards the trough. All looked quite happy - no problems. Checked trough and removed some thin ice. Trough is full and working OK.

All found this morning grazing mossy grass or browsing gorse in L11/12, and looking fit and contented

All fine

Saw all 4 in the middle of the site this afternoon and they were looking well. Trough fine and not iced up.

Checked cows at 3.30 pm. All grazing quite happily in H4 on dried grasses. Not much green stuff left. No obvious problems.

Tuesday 5th December.

All four cattle were in the middle of the site this afternoon. All looking in great condition with nice winter coats.

Trough ok too.

Looked today at 3.0pm. No sun today, a bit bleak, overcast and cold. Found all four around E14 heading down the path to the trough. Clever Cloggs was lagging well behind and Lola stood bellowing at him to hurry. Noticed she waited, watching, till the boys had finished drinking before taking the water herself. Really playing the matriarch. All moving OK no sign of any problems.

All out sunning themselves

13:35  N4.  The  group were at the Northern edge of N4, the younsters grazing amongst the gorse, whilst Lola was lying down.  Quite a sheltered spot, so they're topping up they're tan before the cold weather on Thursday.

All Grazing in the woodland right outside main entrance near Fleet Pond.

Looking in tip top condition! Especially Lola who is borderline fat!

All good at Bramshot.

At about 100 hrs all browsing bramble in D/E6 and looking fit and very contented.

Went looking at 3.30.pm. Found all four cows grazing near to the path in K13. All looking fit and well, no obvious problems. Trough full and working OK.

Very happy herd, led by the matriarch that is Lola!

They're all in very good condition. It' s funny to see Lola bossing the boys about bless'em. She certainly wears the trousers in this family.

Gave  them a handful of nuts. No licks needed here for a bit I Rekon.

At about 1130 hrs today all browsing and fit and well in I8.  Trough OK too.

Looked today at 2.30. Found cows conveniently near the car park in B5. All looked fit and healthy quietly grazing on the brambles. Checked trough - seems to be working OK.

All fine

Saw all four happily grazing out on the open heath yesterday afternoon.

12:50 14 November

All 4 looking OK, straddling track from road leading to water trough (K15).  Lola just settling down in woods, followed by one of the youngsters.  Met a couple of dog walkers by cattle grid, warned them the cattle were ahead.

All fit and well and grazing in M6 today

Test

Site check - all good.

Found all four on the main track leading down from the barrier nearest Hartland Park. All looking very well with no problems to report.

Trough working fine.

Looked at 3.00 pm. Found cows in I14 grazing on last of the fresh grass. The boys seem to have grown a lot and are almost as big as Lola. All looked clean and healthy, no obvious problems. Checked trough - working OK.

Easily found in F6 at 0930 hrs this morning.  All browsing bramble and looking fit and well.

Took my delayed walk this afternoon at 3.30, found the cows in the trees in H11, H12. They looked to have come from the trough and were moving through the trees grazing on the gorse.
Checked trough all seemed to be working OK.

All 4 in Wood near trough. Met John G just before leaving.

Gave them some nuts bits and had a good look over them. And looking very well they were too. Good condition, no concerns. Lovely nuthatch in the tree all the while. And met a couple walking their dog demanding that I watch Autumn Watch about the Jays! H
Got it on I player to watch later 😉

No need to Blog today then John 😁

At about 1015 hrs all in very fine fettle, browsing bramble among the leaves, next to the back fence near Qinetiq, along from the trough.  Trough OK.

Tuesday Afternoon

All the cows were out in the middle the heath spread out grazing.  I rattled the bucket and gave them a shout and they came running over for some nuts.

All seemed fine.

All spread out and moving about but around J14 at about 1145 hrs this morning, browsing birch scrub and sweet chestnuts.  All looking very fit and well. Cantor rather doing his own thing someway behind the rest.

Checked today at 3.00 and found all 4 under the chestnut tree. Looking a bit bedraggled but munching the chestnuts quite happily. Trough full and working OK.

All well

The 4 were again enjoying chestnut season by the trough - all eating chestnuts and looking well.

Bad weather on it's way, or not!

Cattle obviously don't believe the weather forecast, as they were standing (one lying) in the copse at C15 between the track and the fence for the common, today at 12:40. It looks as though they've got into shelter, ready for heavy rain and strong winds (which are due on Thursday), with the trough nearby for when they get thirsty. 

All very well and grazing grass in I6 at about 1145 hrs today.

All fine this afternoon.

Similar to Joanne's visit on Tuesday I found the cattle eating sweet chestnuts near the trough this afternoon. They were all looking fit and well.

I had a look at the trough and it should be fine. It has been shaded out for a lot of the summer by the surrounding bracken. More light is hitting the water now as the bracken is dying off so some algae has started colour the water up. We'll keep an eye on it and sort it out if it starts to look like it's going bad.

Went looking at 3.00 pm. Could not find any cows. Bright day but very windy so suspect they were hunkered down in the bracken somewhere. Trough looks OK but as Joanne says water looks green.
Will try again later in week.

Today at 2pm

All four foraging and munching on sweet chestnuts in front of the water trough. Their coats are getting quite shaggy now, well the younger more than lola. All seem a well. I love the yearly sound of them munching chestnuts. Water trough is working OK but is looking very green indeed. X

All in J5 under the big pines but then moving on at 0900 hrs today.  All fit and well.

4 Cattle back on site

We have returned the same 4 cattle back onto site today. We had a successful TB Test.

Cattle Taken taken off site until next friday

We have taken all 4 cattle off site for their annual TB test. They are all looking well and will hopefully be returning to site next Friday.

Today 18.50

Found lola she's getting some me time hiding in the gorse some way away from the others x

25/9 at 18.30

Three boys present and correct near the porta loo central heath field. I can't see lola anywhere tho. All seems well, although the other day one of the boys was walking along the path that runs around the green field, baying and mooing in distress. It seemed strange because the other three were only thro the trees x

At 1145 hrs, all found looking fit, fat, contented and well near the trough.  Trough OK too.

Monday afternoon

Took me a little while to find them but eventually i spotted them in some thick scrub not that far from the car park.

A shake of a bucket of cattle nuts got them out and they all seem very well.

Gave them few nuts was a reward for coming.

All good.

All fit and looking very well in and around L9 at 1000 hrs today.

Looked yesterday at 3.30 - no sign of cows!! Checked trough - working OK. Cows were probably laying down in the bracken. Walked most of the site but could not see them.

All fine this afternoon.

Found all four amongst the Birch scrub around the G6 area this afternoon. All looking on fine form.

Trough full and working ok.

Found at at about 1330 hrs in I8.  All contented and well.

All spotted in M12 at 15.00

Not far from Martins sighting. Had a good look at them all. Steer 071 has those funny red, fleshy growths on the corners of both eyes. Flies loving them. I have seen these before among the other herds and are of no real concern. He's also the only one with one ticks on his hocks bless'im.




Other than that, others to tickless and no other issues to report. Trough on.

13:30 All 4 lying down in the sun.

Lying as a group, with an occasional flick of the head to ward off the flies, the cattle looked fairly contented in M14, screened by bracken and gorse from the numerous dog walkers and their pets.

Today at 8.30pm

Altho a little dark could see all the cows standing very still spread out in the area just in front of the far gate from the car park. They were approachable and happy 😊

Wednesday Morning

After a tor around the site I found them all back by the car park under some rhododendron.  Apparently it makes a good scratching post!


All looked well!

Looked at 4.45 and found them!! Don't know where they have been hiding but they were up and grazing quite happily at the top of the site at H13, H14. Looked to be coming away from the trough and moving towards the open grass area. No sign of problems with clever-clogs. All OK

For the second Sunday morning in a row, looked all around the site and could not find them!  Never been beaten twice before!!

No Show! Looked at 10.30, checked trough and walked rest of the site. They must have hidden themselves in the bracken. May try again tomorrow.

All good

All 4 chewing the cud in the open Heath where the volunteers did a great job with the bracken clearance. Trough fine.

Looked at 3.00 yesterday. Found all four grazing in K12,L12 no problems and clever clogs looked clean. Checked trough - all OK. Last seen heading into trees in P9,P10 - they seem to prefer to graze amongst the trees at present which makes them difficult to find.

Tuesday 14th August - All Fine.

After they eluded me yesterday evening I went back this morning and quickly found the four cattle in N6.

Lola excitedly rushed over to the vehicle while the three steers calmly looked on.

I took a close look at Clever Clogs and he has got a cluster of warts on his belly just between his back legs. While these can look nasty and do occasionally bleed if they get knocked, they are fine and will eventually drop off.

Aside from the warts they're all looking really well. Trough working ok.

Not found yesterday but trough OK. Today at 1015 hrs - "hiding" in D4/5 close to main entrance.  All fit and well.  Clever Clogs browsing young rhodie leaves.

Saturday 3.00 pm. Found all four cows heading into trees at L14. Lola seemed to be leading them in for what? Grass is pretty sparse and not much else for grazing. They were all moving well, no sign of any blood on clever clogs. Checked the trough - all full OK. On route back found cows had come back out of trees and were now grazing in J12/K11. Had their afternoon stroll and were back to normal activity?

Today at 6pm

All four looking fine just behind where the central portaloo is /was in the heath field. On Saturday I couldnt blog as no Internet but there was blood on clever clogs tail again, it is definitely coming from a large black warty type thing on her underneath. The flies are extremely attracted to it, let's hope they don't lay eggs there. What even is it under there. Bit worrying and annoying for him. X

All came out of the eastern most woods near the road.

I led them to the middle heathy area to give them some nuts and a good looking over. No issues or concerns. Don't often find them in those woods?

All 4 lying cudding in L9 at 1600 hrs. A picture of health and contentment; less for some pesky flies.

Thursday 3rd

All four cattle looking happy and healthy today.

Looked this morning 10.30. Found all 4 cows sheltering in the trees at D15. All laying down chewing cud and looking quite relaxed. Checked trough, seems to be working OK full to top.

Tuesday 1st

The cows were out in the middle of the site mid morning and all seemed fine.  A little bothered by flies.

All in L9 at about 1130 hrs today.  Clever clogs has got a spot of blood on her tail again, but other than that all OK with all of them.  Then the ranger's truck arrived and a lookerer like me was no contest as they ran off!

Visited 3pm Saturday 29th

All standing under the trees near the main gate to the car park, looking very well x

3pm Friday 28 July

All 4 spotted grazing happily on quite a wet and windy day!

Looked today Wednesday at 2.00 pm. Found all four cows around the trough. All moving OK and looking quite happy. Lola came out to meet me and nudged me away from her boys - still being mum! Trough looked to be full and working OK.

At 1000 hrs all in K14 grazing and looking really good.  Trough OK too.

Today 2.30

All four happily grazing to the left of the heath field, on the path that runs adjacent to the railway track. All looking fantastic. X

Looked at 1.00 pm. found all 4 cows grazing in K10 looking quite content with no problems.

All seen yesterday evening.

I saw all four cattle together in the centre of the site yesterday evening. All chilling out and looking very well.

Trough full and working ok.

Belated post (Fri 14th July). All spotted in heather in F6

All spotted in F6 looking well and attempting to escape the flies by heading into some scrub. Madam still ruling the roost / herd. Zero ticks, zero issues. Trough checked, working and on.

Beautiful

Lots of slurping

Crickey

Ever get the feeling yr being followed 😬 it clever clogs leading x love it

Sunday 8.40

Taken over an hour to find the cows but thankfully the said tail is now pink and not red so I'm guessing the bleeding where ever it came from has stopped. Thanks dave for checking him and giving me piece of mind. Clever clogs seems fine even chased my dogs from the last water full puddle along the bottom of the heath field, so he's really is finding his balls, excuse the pun. Xx

All 4 fine and well this morning in M8 at 0930 hrs. Did not notice any problem with Clever Clogs (though had not seen the earlier blogs when I went out today).  Not many flies about, so far.

Cow with blood on tail

Double checked this cow after receiving Jo's post and phone call. There is no obvious sign of where the blood has come from on any of the 4 cattle on site. It looks like it is maybe a wart that is attracting flies. I have spoken to the Trust's grazing manager and he will organise for all 4 cows to be fly sprayed on Monday as a precaution.

Blood Soaked tail. Saturday 4.45

All four calmly standing around the trough. Clever clogs has a blood Soaked tail and I can't see where it's coming from. He has a large black, fly covered scab between him back legs but forward more in his groin area. Little concerned am going to call it in. Will attempt a photo but is concerning x

Saturday 8th

Not blogged for so long but we have recently returned to the site and have always kept an eye on the cattle.  We walked over on Saturday with our 13 week old puppy and all 4 cattle were in L9 laying down together in the shade at 9:19.  All looked well.  Trough all ok too.

Cattle checked

All 4 cattle seen today looking really well.

Looked at 12.00. Found all four strolling along path at H4. They ambled out of the trees (along by the railway line) crossed the path and started grazing on fresh grass in H5,I5. All looking quite relaxed and moving OK with no problems. Checked the trough, working OK - full to the brim. The cover for the stop-cock had been knocked off and was laying in the grass a couple of feet from the trough. Cleaned the stop-cock hole and replaced the cover but it is not actually fixed and is liable to be knocked off again by little hooves. Possibly needs turf built up around it to "hide" it from interference.

Today at 3.20

This is my third visit with no joy finding the cows, I know they are here because I've checked the blog but because of the green it's hard to find them. X

The 3 boys lying together cudding overseen by a standing Lola in M8 at 0930 hrs.  All very well and contented, less for those pesky flies in eyes and nose.  Trough OK.

Tuesday afternoon

All four animals were laying up in a dried out wet area. At end of main track parallel to railway. All look good if bothered by flies. 

All very fit and well grazing and walking westward in L13 at abut 0930 hrs this morning.  Lola was very friendly as I rubbed her ears

Today at 4.50pm

All laying just along side the central track thro the heath field, looking extremely fat,very white and super chilled out. Bless em x

Visited yesterday 28/6

All four standing around the trough just watching me calmly. The younguns are really getting big and they all look very healthy xx

looked today at 3.00. All 4 laying in grass at L9 chewing cud, looking relaxed and no problems. Checked trough all working OK.

28 June 13:00

All 4 in L9, 3 grazing, 1 lying down near the track.  Looking OK.

All found today.

Found all four stood around the trough this afternoon not at all bothered by the pouring rain. All looking fit and well.

Trough working ok.

At about 0900 hrs in L11 all fit and well, and grazing and looking fabulous.

Looked at 12.00 found all 4 cows spread out in H4, I4, J3 and K3. Grazing on grass among the trees. Keeping cool and out of the sun. All quite happy but spread out more than normal, no problems. Checked trough, working OK,  full to top and doggie bowl full.

All found - eventually - at 0700 hrs this morning in C6.  All fit and well.  Trough OK too.

All well in central area

I visited yesterday with the MOD and Natural England to present my scrub removal plans for this coming winter.  The meeting went well and they are happy with my proposals which is good.

In doing so we came across the cattle all laying down under the shade of the big pines and oaks in the centre of the site.  They were all very calm and did not want to get up as they lay there chewing the cud.  They all looked well with clean coats and clean eyes.

They epitomised conservation grazing livestock as docile and beautiful cattle!

Elliott

Today at 5.10

Wow the boys have grown soo much, they really look health. They are at the top left corner of the heath field. It's soo hot today x

Looked at 3.00. Found all 4 cows in L10. Cantor laying in grass (being idle?) others grazing fresh grass. Lola walked at me shooing me away - being mum. Lovely day, no problems.

All seen fit and very well at 1100 hrs this morning in L7, grazing + browsing birch scrub.

All seen this evening.

Out doing site checks and swung into Bramshot Heath to check on the four there. Found them all in J14 lazily grazing away.

All looking really healthy.

Today 1.15

. Today at 1.15

I'm back from holiday and the fantastic four look amazing, very healthy and chilled. Trough is good. They are all lying down central heath field. X

(Belated post friday 2nd June) All in H6 seeking shelter from the sun under a large pine.

All looked well. Youngsters doing what they're told via the matriarch of the herd ;) Said cow was getting annoyed by flies bless'er.

All 4 grazing and fit and well in K4 and 5 at about 1000 hrs today.  Trough OK too.

Lola and the boys all ok Friday 4pm

Lola and the boys sitting down in the grass, pretty contented by looks of it. The youngsters sitting together with the mummy figure looking on a few yards away :) No problems seen. Nice to see the new arrivals after a break from "looking". Mike

Looked at 2.30. Found them in the same place as Martin (L10), now laying down in the bracken. Almost hidden from view. Checked trough all working OK.

31st May 13:15 All together

Lola and the boys were grazing in a tight group in L10.  Looking pretty relaxed.

FYI

I'm away next week so I won't be blogging /looker in till the following mon/Tues. X

Today at 1.30pm

All four looking great central right of the heath field. Grazing calmly and happily x

All fit and well and grazing in K5.  There was a lot of what looked like clumps of badger hair all along the tracks as we walked back to the car park from the cows.

All fine today.

Found all four cattle down opposite the trough taking advantage of the shade under the trees. All of them looking fit and well today.

At 1800 hrs, Lola in J5 grazing, the boys in K5 - Cantor and Cronus grazing and Clever Clogs browsing birch scrub.  All very fit, very clean and looking extremely well.

Today at 7.15om

All four grazing contentedly in G7, lola is being amazing, as a couple with some inquisitive dogs approached she headed the younguns into the gorse bushes and stood guard til they passed. Bless they seem to be doing really well. The trough was also fine. X

Names

Just to say I think the names are great and I'm soo pleased I've named a steer, clever clogs, and he is my favourite because of his black stripes on his neck. Thank you for choosing one of mine. X

Today 9.40am

All four grazing happily tip centre of the heath field. It's soo lush and green after the rain yesterday. Oh and the stone chats are back, chatting away in the top of the gorse in the heath field. Lovely x

Tuesday

All four were in the woods not far from the car park.  All laid up cudding looking happy enough!

Today at 2pm

All three in among the gorse just right of the central path that goes thro the heath field. All have a lie down, looking very tranquil. Trough fine x

All named

thanks for suggesting names,  the votes have been cast and the names decided.  See Current Situation,

Thanks

Elliott

At about 1100 hrs today all 4 lying in K4 in what looked like their overnight scrapes.  All fit and well. Lola very protective of the boys as she came out to check carefully on our new puppy that was quietly sat watching the cows.  Trough OK too.

On the possible names for the steers, starting with C - and possibly relating to mother's names:

Calluna and Cornus, for those whose mothers had the names of flowers
Cantor for Madrigal's offspring.

................just some ideas.................

They seem to have moved a long way since yesterday. Possibly due to army training in J16. Found all four at 3.30, under the trees, lying down quietly chewing cud in I3 near to the path. They seem quite relaxed . No obvious problems.

All 3 boys plus lady of the house under an oak in L14.

Hot one with plenty of flies. No issues or concerns with any. Trough working and on.

Names for the steers

The steers do not have names - so if any of you would like to suggest some please feel free.

They must begin with a C as we name them by the year they are born and they are all boys. We try (sometimes fail!) to name them something associated with their mothers so here are their mothers names

67 - Mum's name is Forget-me-Not
75 - Mum's name is Hebe
71 - Mum's name is Madrigal (or Maddi for short)

please let me know if you come up with anything!

Laura

All seen and all well today at 1315 hrs.  Led by Lola, with the youngsters in line astern, they were moving from G3 to the main gate then south.  Do the steers have names?

Today 7.30

After looking everywhere me and my girls split up and found the cows by the fence just along from the first gate, along from the car park. Lola approached us and very gently said hello, then OK you can go now, only by shaking her head (I know what that means). She's being very protective, it was lovely to see, bless her. She has dropped into her role amazingly well. Soo glad to find them after two failed missions xx

Looked early today at 10.am. Cows are OK Joanne - they must have been hiding in the trees. found all four in the open, around L6, moving quite fast towards the railway line, grazing grass as they went. All four moving OK no sign of any problems.

Today 3.45-5.10

Again today as yesterday, I can't find them, I had a really good look around. I'm a little concerned now. X

Today 3-4.15

Can't see them any where walked around alot, they are playing hide and seek with me and eventually won x

Checked today at 2.30. Found all four in the trees at E15. They were being "worried" by a dog which barked and ran around them.  The three boys started to run away but Lola moved in and chased the dog off. Good mum! Watched them for 10 minutes and they settled down and ended up grazing on the grass along the path at F14. The dog owner rescued the dog and put it on a lead. I explained that there were new young bullocks in the group and was assured that the dog would be on lead in future.
Checked trough - all OK

all good in M4

Hello all,

I checked on the cattle today and found them in literally exactly the same place as last week.  Upon opening the blog just now I wanted to check all of your posts to make sure they had actually moved around the site in the last week and was pleased to see that had been.

They were all good and calm and let me have a good look all the way around each of them.

Checked the trough on my way out and all was good

Elliott

2nd May 12:55 All well

All 4 grazing together in L3. 

All fit and well in J13 at 1030 hrs, grazing and browsing bramble and the birch scrub.  All 4 very well with Lola keeping them in check with a head butt.

Looked at 3.00 pm. Found all 4 laying under trees in D15. As far as possible from the military exercises. The three teenagers were grouped around Lola who seemed to be playing mum OK. All four looked quite relaxed quietly chewing cud, no problems. checked trough all OK.

Communications and military training

Hello everyone,

Firstly I would like to apologise for what has been perceived as a lack of communicate with respect to the livestock which you all looker for us.  This time of year is always the time of year we have to re-shuffle our herd to make way for new calves and position females in groups who we are putting to the bull.  Historically this has never affected the herd on Bramshot Heath so things have never changed for you, however, this year we were informed by our grazing team that these changes were required a few weeks back and failed to pass on the advanced notice.  You have my apologies for this.

The grazing team did blog as soon as the move occurred which is what we ask of them.

Lola was left on site as she is so calm and good with the level of people and dogs on site so she will act a similar a perfect Matriarch (surrogate mother) to the new ones whilst they settle in.  The new ones will be nervous and s kitty to start with as it is a new site for them but this will soon settle down, and will do so quicker with the aid of Lola.

In terms of the military training, as you are all aware the area is owned by the MOd for the sole purpose of training.  In the past this site has seen little if any training as the vegetation conditions were not suitable.  One would think this would be a good thing but I think to the contrary.  Without the land actively being used for training, and because it is not a legally protected piece of land, it was at serious risk of being sold off for development or housing.  With works that have taken place making it more suitable for training we are now seeing soldiers and cadets using it regularly.  This activity will ensure the army are not forced to sell it off by the Ministers within the MoD.  By being able to keep it and train on it, it ensures we can continue to manage it for wildlife and see the results that's we are, which are all positive.

To put it into context the land directly to the east of Bramshot Heath, in between the road to pyestock and kennels lane, is owned by the mod, not used by the mod and is being sold to the developers as I type this.  This is exactly what would have happened to Bramshot Heath!

As a result of this support for military training it is with an element of accepted reluctance that's we have to allow our livestock to adapt to the trainings that takes place on the site and this will vary from site to site.  The livestock are very robust and adaptive.  What I woudl say is this is more than likely unfortunate timing.  In terms of the military not being able to train as new cattle were added this is not an option.  Military training takes priority in all occasions and we are not informed of their activities for security reasons.  These things will never change and are part and parcel of managing the MOD estate.

I hope that's this blog post is taken as the apology it I see meant to be as well as informing all readers about the relationship that we have with the MOD and their activities.  If any of you have further question should please email me directly on Elliott.fairs@hiwwt.org.uk

Many thanks all

Elliott

Today 4.53

I should have taken a photo but it was haling,. Are the army made aware that the very young cows are brand new to this area, is it OK to literally use them as cover whilst they open fire and do explosions!! The poor things didn't know what to do, they followed lol in the end who followed me. I feel quite sad now.

Insist

I really must insist on being informed please, why has this this been done, in the past we have always been told what's happening and reasons etc, by email usually.

Today 26/4 at 4.30pm

I am not happy, could we not have been warned of your planned change. Not only has lol a Been left with 3young males she is at this moment being used as cover by the army for their war games. All four cows are in the midst of gun fire and explosions Oh and hale stones. Lol a ran to me I have never seen her look so unhappy, she's following me, and the young ones simply don't know what to do. Thanks for the warning.

Now 4 animals on site

We have just had a change around.  We have left lola and there is now 3 young steers.  Making 4 in total.  Lola didn't seem to please at being left with three dopey teenaged boys,  so may be calling for a few days.

All 3 fit and well, and grazing grass (and the single bluebell!) in N5 and N6 at 1100 hrs today.  Spoke with a family feeding Lola and asked them not to feed the cows.  A really good discussion about the cows then ensued.

Yesterday at 7.30 pm

All three were happily grazing half way up on the railway side of the heath field, they all looked calm and happy x

Looked this evening at 7.30. Found all three grazing near the path in H4. No sign of any grazes on Kit Kat. All three looking quite relaxed and ignoring dog-walkers, dogs and noisy young children. No problems!

Taking shade Wednesday ago

I should learn on this site on a sunny day to check the woods near the CP first as its not the first time I've been around the site just to find them taking shade in these woods.

All laid up cudding.

All well and browsing bramble in F6 at 1130 hrs today.   Kit Kat's 4-inch graze behind her left foreleg is dry and OK; and looks like its healing up.

Yesterday 14/4 at 7pm

All three hanging around by the top gate ( the back road entrance) to the heath field, looking a little scraggy, I guess they are moulting but all together fine x

Today at 2.40

All present and correct two calmly grazing and one rubbing her head on a pine tree, all central heath field. X

all good and fenceline given good audit and upkeep

Hello all,

I visited today and went around the perimeter repairing the broken wires and replacing missing staples.  I also tightened the wire in quite a few places so the fence is looking as good as new.  It was very noticeable =that all of the grazing livestock signs surrounding the meadow to the west, had been ripped off quite recently.  It is a legal duty of ours to ensure that all gateways have signs up saying that there are livestock present on site.  I only had 6 signs with me so need to get a couple more up on the far western end of the site but will get this done next week.  Please let us know if you notice any of the signs being vandalised again.

The girls were all right up in the north east corner grazing the grasses along the railway line,.  They came running over to see me as I drove past in the truck.  they were disappointed that the bale of hay I had with me was not for them.

They all looked good and I have to admit I did not notice the mark on Kit Kats leg as I have only just seen this blog post.  I will make sure it is looked at next week

Elliott

Looked at 3.00 pm. All three grazing on brambles near to path in G6. Kit Kat has a largish bare patch on her right rear leg - appears to have rubbed on a tree maybe? Otherwise all look fine, in glorious warm weather.

Today at 7,30

All three happily grazing on the front path at the bottom of the heath field. X

All well - less for the flies - and found near the trough at 1300 hrs today.  Trough OK.  Minor fence repairs needed in areas F12, E13, F11, G11 - top line of barb loose in one place, over several posts, and down/broken in another.

Today at 8pm

Still fairly light and they all came over to check me out, just in ground from the railway track. All seemed well and they are looking rounder for sure. X

07th April 12:55

Cattle all in L14.  2 standing and grazing, the other chewing cud in the sunshine.  All had smiles on their faces.

Tuesday 4th April

Checked in on the cattle today and found them all in I6. All three looking really well, no problems to report.

Today at 11am

All three calmly grazing in the middle of the heath field. All seems fine, trough is working fine too. X

Today at 6.30

All three were standing like rhinos (heads down face on) down the path by the railway track as I came through the gate. Then disbursed into the heath field where they are now basking in sunshine, nibbling young gorse and making the most of fresh grass. Beautiful evening indeed

At 1145 hrs today all browsing bramble in E6; all fit and well.

Seen today at 5pm

All three relaxing among the baby silver birch trees central right side of the heath field. All seems calm. Trough is fine. X

Looked at 11.00. Still browsing around entrance by railway. All looked relaxed and showed no interest in passing dogs and dog-walkers.

All fit and well at 0900hrs by the main entrance browsing bramble.

All good and trough cover found.

i popped in this afternoon to do a bit of surveying and cattle lookering.

The girls were all stood near to the trough so it must have been a similar time that I saw them to Jo.  They were all looking well and were getting the earl you grass shoots along the track.

I am well happy with myself that I managed to find the vandalised water trough tap cover.  I fixed and then re-fitted it so let it be known to those who vandalised it that those who laugh last, laugh loudest!

I followed this with a tour of the site looking for reptiles under the tins and in known hotspots.  I was really pleased to find 6 adders (4male 2female) which included two juveniles.  I also found 4 slow works, 1 of which was also a juvenile.  This is important as it shows they are still breeding on site and over wintering here which is really valuable.

Also pleased to report that the Woodlarks are back on site apparently, although did not see or hear them myself.

Lovely afternoon

Elliott

Today at 2pm

All three standing around by the trough. A lovely day too. They seem very calm and happy,there's a patch of dried blood at the back of 172 s right front leg nothing major and 192 seems to have some exma or something similar around the inner back legs below her butt. X

Today 5.30

All grazing on Forse flowers in the top right hand corner of the heath field. They are still looking all wooly and seem great x

Today at 12.40

All three grazing happily in the trees near the trough, they really do look well. X

All found hoovering up bramble and birch leaf around the troughs fence line.

All looking exceedingly well for this time of year! Not a bad retirement home eh 😊
 
Found the dead fox bless'im. What a stunning animal. I have taken it closer to the central heath off the beaten track where it might decompose properly. That carcass will be feeding a multitude of insects and inverts let alone carrion. Its about to become a mini eco-system! 😊

Today at 10.20am

All three foraging and happily munching at the very far right of the main gate from the car park. I haven't seen them in the trees there for ages but they have definitely found breakfast. All seems well. X

Looked at 10.00. Found the girls happily grazing on new grass and gorse along path in I11, H12. Looked to be heading for trough. No problems.

Found a dead fox under the pine trees and beside path at H6. Carcass is in full view of dog-walkers and dogs. Reported to Guy and it will be moved to decompose in undergrowth.

12:50 21 March Cattle going for a drink

Came into the reserve at D16, passing a couple walking about 7 dogs, some off leads.  As I  crossed the cattle grid into the reserve, a black spaniel type chased me, but was called back.
Went along track through E15 to F16, to see the 3 girls walking purposefully along the main track in E14 towards the dogs.  Tried to divert the cattle away from the dogs, but they were having none of it.  They kept going towards the dogs in D15, so I walked alongside the leader to keep an eye on what was going on.  The dog-walkers now decided to put their dogs on leads then go through the gate into the field at C15.   Meanwhile, the cattle turned off to the left to go to the trough.  Trough full, cattle looked relaxed.

Trough OK.  Cows all OK; browsing bramble in E6.

Spotted 2

Spotted 2 just up from the main gate.  all appeared well

Today at 12noon

All three seem calm and content grazing in the little grassy patch right of the main gate from the car park, just  the birch trees . All seems well. X

Checked at dusk and all well

I visited just after 6 pm to check on the ladies and was really pleased to see them in such good condition.  I gave them half a bucket of nuts as good girls for coming to my calls.

Elliott

Looked at 3.00 and found them in H5. They had not moved far from the spot where Martin saw them. All relaxed and moving through old heather and gorse. No obvious problems. Checked trough - it was full and operating correctly. Glorious sunny day - saw first brimstone butterfly - spring is here!!

12:59 Cattle grazing

All 3 were spread out grazing around the path in G6.  Looked quite relaxed.

Seen today at 3pm

All three laying down and resting just up from the portaloo in the center of the heath field. Is the other portaloo to the left hand side of the heath field ever going to be stood back up? Only the gross stuff in it not to mention all the chemicals that must have leaked out. It's been over for weeks if not months now. X

All fit and well at 1030 hrs, browsing gorse in H13.

Today at 5.30

All three grazing in the top left centre of the heath field, they must be finding more to eat now as they have stopped hassling me and just carry eating when I approach, which is great. X

Report from volunteer team

Our dedicated team of scrub cutters were busy on the Heath today keeping the Heath nice and open.  If you are interested in finding out more how you can join in on such events please just email us.

During their lunch they saw the cattle and confirmed they were all well and healthy,

Elliott

Today at 3pm

All three happily grazing in the center of the heath field. Looking calm and content. X

Looked this morning at 10.30. trough full and working OK. Found the girls on the path at E6 grazing on bramble and leaf mould. All seem to be fit and well.

Today at 3.20

All three spread out near the main gate into the green field. Being barked at by a dog but they don't seem to bothered by it. I told the lady to be careful as they will kick. She put the dog on a lead. All seems well. X

All 3 fit and well at about 1100 hrs today in K13 browsing windblown fir twigs for their pine needles.  

Today at 11.30

All looking fine down by the bottom gate near the trough, eating grass shoots.
Really do look in fine shape, all three xx

Looked today at 11.30. All 3 standing on path at L15 watching work going on at L14/M14. just being nosey! All walking freely no obvious problems. Checked trough - the stopcock cover seems to be missing leaving stopcock as open hole in the ground.

Today at 4 pm +yesterday at 2pm

Both the above times ad dates all three in exactly the same place just on the right behind the central portaloo (heath field), today they are laying down in the drizzle watching us watching them. All seems fine, in camp bramshot x

Sunday 26th Feb @ 15:00 all well

All three well sitting down in middle of heath (about K7), almost hidden from view. Couldn't clamber through the ditch and the gorse to get close enough today, but seemed ok cudding away, no obvious issues. I am assuming they were resting and no other reason for sitting down. Trough looked clean and fresh. Mike

All fit and well, grazing in J5 at 1145 hrs.

All seen today.

Found all 3 laying and cudding in J9 this afternoon. All looking well and relaxed. Trough all good.

Seen today at 12.30

All three hanging out in the woods near the trough, every thing seems fine. Trough is also fine xz

At 1215 hrs today all 3 in I10 cudding.  All well, though Kit Kat's neck still has a few bare patches and Lola has a small scratch on her left rear flank...............and a terribly dirty face!

Today at 5pm

All present ad correct just behind the group of pines in the heath field. Miss moody the boss cow came steaming over to us it did scare the kids and made me feel a bit nervous. I just waved my arms and told her off and she calmed down. Not sure why at all. They seemed OK. X

Friday 2pm: all x3 well

All three looking ok, no problems seen. The threesome were spread out around in M7. Got a bit close today and Rosemary chased me off, no harm done though .. more playful than serious. See today's picture. Must have just just missed you Guy on site today.  .... Mike

Again nothing new to report since dog incident thankfully. all girls grazing happily in the centre and off the beaten track.

Patches don't appear to be mange, more rubbing if anything. But will continue to monitor. Thanks all for your vigilance since the dog incident.

Had a quick look today between showers. All three grazing in C6/D6 looking quite healthy and contented.

Sunday 12th Feb @ 11:00am - all three well

All found chomping on gorse in H11 and looking fine. No adverse effects after yesterdays' altercation with the dog. Trough also looking good and clear. A chilly day for "looking" hope weather improves soon too. A few snaps from today's visit below. Mike

Vicious black staffie charged at cows and my wife and I in H11 at 1100 hrs today.  Seen off by Lola, and my wife with her stick, facing up.  Owners right away across the area - with no possibility to control dog - and we could not get to them before they departed, thankfully with their dog as it ran off.  Cows (and wife!) all OK.  Cows browsing gorse and bramble.  Kit Kat's neck still got the odd, small bare patches.

Today 2pm

All three grazing on the gorse to the side of the main path thro the heath field, all looking quit wooly and content. Trough is working fine, all be it very full. X

All present and correct just off the track, centre site, portaloo.

Looking very calm and relaxed, even while a 1 year old pup started running circles round them and barking.. Spoke to the owner about the risks. Almost turned her into a looker! 😉


Kitkat is a little patchy around the neck, probably nothing but will monitor. Might just need a dose.

Visited yesterday 6/2

All three very calmly grazing in the fern, all seemed fine, they are definitely happier and fatter than this time last yr x

Late post

When out yesterday but nothing seen

All fit and well, in and around M8 at 1100 hrs.  Rosemary browsing gorse and the youngsters grazing old brown grass.

Checked today at 2.30. Trough full of nice clean water - no ice now. Found the girls hiding in a gorse thicket in M11. Unable to get close enough to check eyes but they all seemed to be grazing on the gorse with no obvious problems.

All spotted in the woodland around H10.

Looking very well indeed for this time of year. They got excited when I pulled up in the truck, naturally, but before I came they were tucking into bramble in the woodland and looking very relaxed.

No problems with any of their eyes.

Today at 3pm

All three grazing spread out amongst the gorse in the bottom right hand corner of the heath field. Everything seems fine. Perhaps a little slimmer x

At 1100 hrs today the ladies were browsing gorse in L13.  All very well. Lola's eye - as reported by Rich below - looks absolutely fine too.

Today at 3pm

Two standing one laying down near the porta loo, left heath field. The look fine, fatter than this time last yr i think. X

All seen this PM.

Saw the three cows this afternoon still hanging around in B6 and were chewing their way through some holly.

I noticed that Lola was not opening her right eye fully but couldn't see any injury or signs of New Forest Eye so suspect she may have jabbed it with a stick or something similar. I have informed the grazing team who will take a look as well.

THURSDAY 10.30:


Found all three grazing on brambles and gorse in B6/B7. Moving OK looking quite happy, no problems. Checked trough, broke up thin ice and trough has filled to brim, pipework and lagging seem to be working OK.

Sunday 4pm: all 3 looking well, trough ice broken

All 3 found near the car park over (about G6/H6), all seem happy munching away and looking healthy. A trip over to the trough found some very heavy ice (about 2 inches thick), but partially broken already. Cleared more chunks out of it and stirred it up to break up the new ice layer. Glad to see them again and looking well ! Some of today's' snaps for the family album below:

All fit and well trampling the high gorse down and browsing it in J8/9 at 1345 hrs today.

Checked the ladies this morning at 11.30. All 3 standing quietly chewing cud in J8. Checked trough and removed some ice. No problems!

Tuesday 17th January.

Found the cattle down in B7 this afternoon munching away on bramble leaves. They're all looking as good as usual, no problems to report.

Luckily for me at 1030 hrs, in the pouring rain, the ladies were all right by the main entrance browsing bramble and looking fit, and totally unfazed by the conditions,

All in the wood opposite the model aircraft green.

They came out for the 'snack mobile'. All looking very well with no concerns or problems to report. .

Today at 1.30

All three spread out along the path that runs through the middle of the heath field, they still look nice as round and their winter coats are looking nice and wooly. All fine here. X

All fit and well

Found all 3 grazing on gorse around F13/G13 10.30 am . No problems. Checked trough, no ice - all working OK.

All 3 around N5 browsing gorse and looking fit and well at 1300 hrs today.

All seen and well

i was on site today meeting the developers of the proposed housing estate due to be built next door.  I think they got my point about how great the site is and how important it is as I went on and on and on about all the great stuff we have done......the upshot is they will not be building on the land nor using it as part of their mitigation land so good news all round.  Now I just need to ensure they fund some works and wardening to protect the woodlarks and nightjars that we have on site in the summer time! Success

On my way around I broke the ice on the trough and found the girls.  The were grazing in the central area next to the portals.  They've were superb example of grazing livestock and showed the developers and council representatives just how 'non-scary' cattle can be.  Good girls.

Elliott

Today 4.15

Yay finally found them wasn't easy but they are all standing in the bushes at the top center of the heath field. Looking fine if not wet. X

Today at 3pm

I've had to walk the dogs In the dark lately so I'm not surprised I haven't seen them much but this is my third daylight walk and still no sign. Are they hiding from me? X

Tuesday 4.00 pm
Found them grazing on the gorse among the trees in M7/N7. All moving about , no obvious problems. Checked trough and removed some of the ice.

None spotted