NY Eve

 Found all 3 fit and well in F13 nuzzling under Oak leaf litter presumably for acorns and looking very fit and well. Trough and Gate repair OK.

29th Dec

 All 3 in M10 at 8:15 this morning hiding in the gorse. Couldn’t get in there but they looked fine. Trough checked ok and gate still closing well.

Mon 28th

 I didn’t see the cows this morning but it was very cold at 8am! Some tree have come die though so may I suggest if any Ranger is due to visit, please re check especially on the boundary (Fleet road, over railway, turn right, then through the barrier on the left) a couple of trees have fallen onto the fence line further down. Looks ok but does need checking 

27th Dec

 All fit and well standing in the sun drying off on the main track in H12

XMAS DAY

Ho ho ho . Cows in L10 and all fit and well. Some ice on trough but OK.

Wednesday 23rd December

 Re-bashed the temporary post holding the gate and rigged up an inner tube to help the gate close softly. 

New gate is first priority in the new year.

Teasel, Evan and Caledonia joined me to check out the work. All looked well if a little damp. 

Wed 23rd

8:30ish - Made a quick call to Harry as the black rubber band on the gate has broke so when I approached the gate it wasn’t closed properly although when I tested it, it did close but I was just concerned as it’s now the holiday time so many people will be passing through and not bothering to check it’s closed properly. 

Tuesday 22nd

 Found all 3 just off the track down from the big white gate in the gorse at 9am. Looked fine but couldn’t get too close. Trough ok and gate still closing ok

Monday 21st December

 Found all 3 in J10, laying down in some bracken. They all look well. Trough is full. 

Sunday 20th

 Eventually found all 3 in the gorse in the centre of the area. Teasel browsing gorse; the boys grazing heather. Trough OK and temporary gate post repair holding up but it takes a pounding as the gate is slammed closed by folk.

17th Dec -

    Location: Communal. gross. otherwise ( M13)

Found all three in the dense shrubs and trees going after some green leaves.

didn't get too close but generally looked in good health.

Alterations to the gate are working well.

Tuesday 15th

 Must have missed Graham by 10 minutes but only found 2 grazing in J12. No sign of Evan.

Checked trough - OK, and gate. Repair is working fine and gate is shut.

Teasle and Caledonia looking OK.

Found the three in no time all looking good

Notice: Protocol for reporting of emergencies during the Christmas period

Please note that the Estates and Grazing teams at HIWWT will have a skeleton staff operating over Christmas and New Year.

If you need to report an emergency to us during this time, such as injured or escaped livestock or damaged infrastructure, then please follow the procedure below. As always, please DO NOT use the blog to report any urgent or emergency issues.

To report an emergency (e.g. injured or escaped livestock, damaged infrastructure where livestock could escape from a site):

1. Call the office on 01256 381190.
2. Wait for the answering machine message, which will detail the name and mobile number of the member of staff who is currently on call.
3. Phone the on-call member of staff who will then respond accordingly.

Please do not phone a member of staff directly unless you know they are on call. If you are unsure whether a particular situation qualifies as an emergency then please phone the on-call member of staff anyway so that they can make a decision on how to proceed.

And finally, many thanks to you all for your hard work keeping an eye on the livestock all year, and Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to all of you from all of us at HIWWT!

Nil

 None spotted today

Inside at 3.00

 Walked site at 3.00pm found all 3 grazing amongst trees in G12. Evans seemed quite relaxed and all 3 were snuffling among the leaf mould under the trees.  Not as green as outside the gate. No problems.

10th Dec - Evans big day out

I arrived on the heath this morning at 8:30ish to find Evan had absconded.  

By the looks of it the gate near the trough had not been closed correctly, providing Evan with a chance to break into the lush green paradise of the neighboring fields.

The other two luckily remained on the heath but getting this youngster back in proved to be quite the challenge (nearly an hours worth of wrangling)

Having resisted attempts by myself to coax him and then with the help of Debbie and some passer-bys to try and get him back onto the heath failing, he charged across the woods into the bigger heath.

With some careful corraling and expert handling from a passer-by (who has looked after livestock before), we managed to get him through the gate and back to where he belongs.

The rest of the herd were not impressed and called for him continuously throughout, whilst at the same time drawing the attention of several dogs.

A pretty stressful morning for both animal and amateur looker.

On closer inspection, the gate post is not very stable and this prevents the latch from working correctly. So while today, we managed to avoid anything major happening, the risk remains that across the days when lookers or rangers are on-site, he or the others try this trick again. Some of the gates (esp near the one by the railway lines) are also showing signs of wear and tear too.

I would also like to raise a second point about training for such situations. While the basic training gives you provision to avoid harm to yourself and the cattle, I didn't think much of it was useful when you have a distressed animal on your hands. While wrangling them back onto the heath isn't a day job for any of us, a bit of guidance and tactics for how I & others might be better able to do this in the future would be useful.  

Thanks to Ciara, Alex, and Debbie for the assistance (esp in helping to find my mobile which slipped out of my pocket during this rodeo)

proof that the grass is greener

not a-moos-ed at Evans antics.

Monday 07th December

All 3 found healthy and very vocal as normal. Trough good

Sunday 6

 Two on the track in H12, one deep in the gorse. All looking very fit and well. Evan well settled in now.

Saturday 5th

 Found all 3 moving away from the trough through trees in F15. All moving OK no problems.

Trough working OK

Pushed gate hard and it latched. 

Friday 4th

 Found all three grazing in L11/M11. Evan and Teasle looking fit grazing on the heather - no problems. Caledonia tried to hide in the gorse so unable to get a close look at him.

Trough OK. 

Checked gate near trough which, as Debbie said, does not close properly. If an inquisitive bullock were to push on it, it will open and let him through. Problem is the gate post is leaning and the latch therefore does not catch. A quick repair (while waiting for funds) could be to hammer angle iron support at the rear of the post to lift it back vertical.

all found near trough and looking well

Tuesday 02nd December

 Ciara hasn’t got access to the blog and has asked me to update for her.

“All three found very quickly, all happy and healthy. Trough good”

 Cows on path in H12  "truffling" in leaf litter. All fit and well. Bottom line, high tensile wire, of fence is down and broken in 2 places along this path.  But no risk of cows getting through. All barbed lines are good.

Friday 27th

 Walked around the outskirts of the site at 3.00 pm. No sign of cattle. Suspect they were hunkered down in the gorse for warmth. 

Trough OK

26th Nov - Bush Tucker

   Location: outbound.first.retail (H13)

All three in the deep thicket foraging. Didn't get too close to do a full check in order not to disturb. No obvious signs or issues

Tuesday 24th

Managed to round up the wonderer eventually heading to the trough to join the other two at 7:45am this morning. A little noise from two of them lol but I think that was due to many people milling about but all looking good, checked them all and no issues found. Trough all ok too but I am still concerned about the pedestrian gate as the latch doesn’t slam shut and it’s always open. What’s the status about replacing both pedestrian gates with kissing gates please?  I understood the funding was available a while ago...thank you 

Monday 23rd

 Found all 3 grazing on gorse and the last of the grass in H11. They don't seem to have moved far from yesterday.

Trough full and working OK

 Found browsing gorse in H12. All 3 fit and well. First time I've seen the new boy (60) on the block; does he have a name?

Thursday Afternoon

 Found all three laying quietly chewing cud in I5.  Evan not quite joining in but close.

Trough Ok  

Monday 16th November

 All 3 found at M13 buried in the gorse by the track. 

All looked well, trough full. 

None seen

 

12th November - Catching Rays

  Location: Eating.Grandson.dabblig (N10)

All three relaxing in the sun in a small clearing. Evan keeping a bit of a distance.

Cow: 075

Summary:  no issues.

Eyes/Ears/Back: all looks fine.

Cow: 088

Summary:  no issues

Eyes/Ears/Back: all looks fine.

Cow: 060

Summary:  couldn't check. got up and hid as I approached.

Eyes/Ears/Back: all looks fine from a distance

Wednesday 11th

 Saw all three walking through the trees in N8. They did'nt stop long enough for me to get a good look at them but seemed quite happy following each other chewing at the gorse here and there. Number 3 seems to have settled in OK.

Trough OK also.

3rd cow added to the pair

We have added a third cow to the group again. They might be a little more boisterous while they sort out who is boss for a few days.

Monday 9th

 Found both at 11.00 am at the far gate by the trough - trying to escape? Laying quietly chewing cud and looking healthy.

Trough OK too

None seen

 

5th Nov - Wandering amongst the trees

 Location: Midfield.obligated.evolution (G13)

Found both as they were walking through the trees. seemed to be avoiding contact (as usual several dogs were on the Heath)

Cow: 075

Summary: was on the move but generally look happy and no obvious issues.

Eyes/Ears/Back: all looks fine.

Cow: 088

Summary: also moving through the woods. noticed shaving marks which I guess were for the TB shots (See photo)

Eyes/Ears/Back: all looks fine.

tb test

Both gathered up and taken for the TB read today. All good on results and back on site now.

29th Oct - Wet and wild in the woods

Location: Think.Spray. Locker (M14)

Cow: 088

Summary: very happy chewing away on some grass .no signs of stress. Approached me for a sniff

Eyes/Ears/Back: all looks fine. hoofs, udders, and general condition all good.

Cow: 075

Summary: Hiding deeper in the woods. clearly didn't want to be disturbed.

Eyes/Ears/Back: ears and nose look fine. eyes looked a bit dark and mysterious. Doing a great impression of the Blair Witch Project for Halloween (see image)

Wednesday 28th

 Saw both at 3.00 pm. Grazing in L6. Caledonia looking clean and healthy chewing away on the gorse. Teasle also looking OK and grazing on gorse but sneaking the odd go at the acorns.

Trough full and working

Friday 23rd

 Found 075 grazing on the gorse along the path at I14. No sign of 088. They do not seem to stay together now.  Lots of acorns and sweet chestnuts, but they seem to be ignored.

Trough OK

22nd Oct - still cant find them

 Checked just after 12 noon and nowhere to be found. Lots of dogs using the trough but generally seems to be ok (bottom of it is a bit sludge laden)

Tuesday 20th October

found Caledonia and Teasel at M4, grazing. looking good and trough is full.

None spotted

 

Friday 16th October

Alex and I found Teasel and Caledonia by the trough. They look happy and only chased the van a tiny bit! trough full.

Tueday 13th

 Late blog! Walked the site yesterday at 2.30 pm. No show of cattle. Bracken is now dying off so hopefully they will be easier to spot in future.

Checked trough - working OK

Both seen today and well, ignoring dogs barking at them!

None seen

 

8th Oct - No Sighting

 Wandered the heath at around 9:30am and couldn't spot the pair.

couple of leaves in the trough but all ok. 

Tuesday 6th October

 Found both Caledonia and Teasel by the trough. Looking good. Trough is full. 

1st Oct - by the way

 Envisage.Chair.Vacancies ( L9)

Both sitting near the main path (see below) which meant that several dogs took interest in them (4 separate occurrences whilst I was checking) but they remained fairly unperturbed.

Cow: 088

Summary: super chilled, sat on the ground cudding.

Eyes/Ears/Back: all looks fine.  hoofs ok.

Cow: 075

Summary: Happy and no signs of stress. 

Eyes/Ears/Back: all looks fine. hoofs look ok too. 

both have been rubbing their necks on the foliage (see below), so have some grass stains on them.

Wednesday 30th September

 Found the two at K11 again, very vocal and chased the truck for a while but looking good otherwise. Trough full. 

Monday 28th September

 I found both of the cows at K11, they came running to the main track. Both good and trough full .

 At about 1100 hrs the pair were close to the main gate under a sweet chestnut.   Both look fit and well.

24th Sept - Sun daze

  Homing.strutting.outdoor (L5)

Cow: 088

Summary: very few flies, stayed seated and pretty relaxed in the sunshine.  The Winter layer seems to be on.

Eyes/Ears/Back: all looks fine. couldn't see hoofs or udders

Cow: 075

Summary: happily sat in the sunshine too. skin looks good. One mark on right hand shoulder (see image). Not sure what it is.

Eyes/Ears/Back: all looks fine. hoofs look ok.

Tuesday 22/09/2020

Found both, or shall I say they both found me. They must have heard the van and thought I was coming to feed them as they both got very excited and followed me to the exit. Trough ok. No other issues.

 Walked the area at 1000 hrs but nothing found. Trough OK.

Friday 18th

 Walked the site at 6.30 pm. Found 088 moving away from the trough in E14 and noted she had moved on to H9 later. Moving OK. No sign of 075.

Trough full and working OK.

Sunday 13th

 Walked the site at 1.30 pm no sign of the cattle. Bracken is 6ft tall in some places so grazing cattle are difficult to spot!

Trough OK

Late post

 Cycled through yesterday, but didnt see any.

Friday 11th September

 Both found at L11. Very vocal and chased the van for a while but look okay. Slight weepy eye and a couple of big ticks on Teasel. Trough good. 

75s eye

Have checked 75 his eye seems to be ok a slight mark below but nothing serious.

Monday 7th September

 Both found at M7 grazing off the track, all good. Trough good. 

September 6th

 looked at 2.30 pm found 088 grazing alone in H7 Looking quite fit and clean. Her neck wound seems to have gone completely.

Checked trough - heard it filling OK

Walking back to car found 075 moving along path at I6. Noted large sore on his left eye covered in flies.

They seem to be grazing away from each other. Used to find them quite close.

3rd Sept - Laying low

 Lends.clinking.churn (J11)

Cow: 075

Summary: hiding in the ferns, swatting flies, did not get up when approached. 

Eyes/Ears/Back: all looks fine. couldn't see hoofs

Cow: 088

Summary: also remained seated while I checked her. a couple of flies but nothing that seemed to worry her.

Eyes/Ears/Back : all looks fine. Slight discharge on the back but didn't appear to be blood.

Tuesday 1st

 Found them both up by the trough  about midday!

Both fine

Late blog for 31st August

 Walked the site at 7.00 pm. Spotted both grazing in L6 - no problems.. Trough full and seems to be working OK.

Nil

 None spotted

Friday afternoon

Both looking fine, strange seeing 2 instead of 3 though. Water was also fine.

27th August - 10:30am - No sighting

 couldn't spot the duo today.

Trough was in good shape, if a bit mucky.

Grazing Team Update

Unfortunately one of the cattle on site, 67, died some point last night. No obvious signs of why. I have been observing the other two and they aren't showing any abnormal signs or behaviour. As such for the time being there will only be 2 cattle on site. Apologies for the bad news. 

Tuesday 25th

 Looked at 2.30 pm and found all 3 cattle around trough. They look fit and healthy - no problems.

067 taking a drink. Trough looks OK

None spotted

 None spotted.  Trough full.

Thursday 20th August

 All cows by the trough/ cattle grid. All looking fine. #75 has scaly flaky skin around eyes. Grazing team notified. 

Sunday 2.30

 Found all 3 grazing in J12. The scar on 088 seems to be dry now. Still lots of flies around them. No obvious problems.

Trough full and a lot cleaner.

13th August - settled by the trough

 Location: Cudding.paces.breathed (D15)

Cow: 067

Summary: mid mud bath keeping the flies away. happy as can be.

Eyes/Ears/Back : all looks fine.

Cow: 088

Summary: lots of flies but did not seem unfazed. ears and head shakes doing the trick. 

Eyes/Ears/Back : all looks fine.

Cow: 075

Summary: Hiding in the ferns keeping a watchful eye. didn't mind being approached. 

Eyes/Ears/Back : all looks fine

August 12th

Late blog: walked the site at 7.30 pm - no sign of cattle.

Checked trough - full and a lot cleaner. 

Tuesday 11th August

 Found all 3 by the trough, grazing away. Teasel's neck is looking better, with a slightly weepy eye. 

Trough slow filling but good. 

 Checked at 11.30 before it got too hot. Found all 3 laying in the scrape at M4. Very dry and dusty but they did not seem to mind and were also putting up with a lot of flies. 

Checked trough - full but really dirty.

Friday afternoon

All 3 by the water today. 067 had a lot of flies around the eyes but no obvious signs of NF eye, maybe just the heat.

Water looking grim but full

6th August - Lord (and Lady) of the Flies

Location: Liquid.resolves.gears L13

Cow: 075

Summary: lots of flies around him. Did not seem too worried and gave the occasional shake of the head

Eyes/Ears/Back : Right eye looked a bit red, everything else fine inc hoofs

Cow : 088

Summary: Lying down and cudding. Large amount of flys around nose/ears but no sign of distress

Eyes/Ears/Back : all fine bar flys

Cow: 067

Summary: sitting and cudding. flies across the whole area but seems unfazed. 

Eyes/Ears/Back:  all looked fine

Tuesday

I found them all up by the large military gate at N13.  All seemed fine.

The trough was full.

Bramshot herd doing fine and all found around the trough.

Trough full and muddy, by all accts due to owners allowing their dogs to cool down/wash in it. Fleet Pond had Blue Green algae from what I hear so we may be seeing more traffic here.

Found all three in the scrape at M4. Clever Clogs (067) grazing on his own. Teasle (088) and Cronus (075) laying in the dust of the scrape. All looked quite happy, not so many flies, no obvious problems.
Trough full - working OK.

Thursday 30th July

All 3 back on site. Tb read done and all clear (phew!). 

All look well. Teasels patches scanning over. Will aim to fly spray tomorrow. 

Thanks  

Grazing Team

Team Away day - off to the vets

Came onto the Heath to see three cows charging past me. Pretty impressive sight !

They were all herded off to the vets so couldn't check them. 

27th July

All 3 seen and taken off for a tb test (and blood sample).

They all look well and Tweasels patches seem to be scabbed over. 

We will be back on Thursday for the vet to read the jabs. 

Fingers crossed

Thanks
Grazing Team

Found all 3 at 3.00pm moving through L10 and grazing on the move. All three moving OK, sore on Teasl's neck looked slightly better - not many flies.
Trough full OK

Thursday 23 - Team drinks by the trough

Cow: 075

Location: living.trarnished.view (D16)

Summary: skin looks fine. Chilling in the ferns.

Eyes/Ears/Back : all fine 

Cow: 067

Location: loafer.winded.beep (D16)

Summary: No issues. cudding and very aware of me approaching

Eyes/Ears/Back : all fine 


Cow: 088

Location: loafer.winded.beep (D16)

Summary: remained seated. Lots of flys around her sores

Eyes/Ears/Back : all fine 

Wednesday 22nd July

All cattle found on L9. Few bumps of Teasel and skin condition noted. 67 very grumpy today. Trough good.

All ok.

Apologies for the late blog post.

I checked in on the cattle on Monday evening and they're all doing well. Teasel does have quite a few sore patches on her neck but only one of them was getting fly attention while I was there.

I've spoken to the grazing team about her and they will head over there at some stage to spray the sores with some antiseptic treatment which will also keep the flies off. The spray is blue so don't be alarmed if you check on the cattle one day and find that Teasel has a blue neck!

Looked as our afternoon walk, 2.30pm. Found all 3 in K12, Both bullocks grazing, Teasle (088) laying chewing cud. She looked quite relaxed but the scar on the side of her neck still looks bad. Difficult to see the actual scar due to the folds of flesh in her neck but the whole area looks to be alive with flies.

Looked at 7.30pm and found all 3 cattle laying in the shade in L10.

Checked Teasle (088) and noted sores on her neck. All cattle were surrounded by flies and Teasle had flies on the sores. She looked uncomfortable and was laying flat on her side.

Checked trough full OK

Friday afternoon

All 3 chilling out today. 067's lump more or less the same. Trough also fine

Today at lunchtime all 3 burst out of the High bracken in a run at K11. Teasel has small bare patch left side of neck. Clever Clogs has a lump on his right flank. Nothing serious for either I don't think. Trough OK.

Wednesday 15th July

All found in J9. Grazing away. Teasel's bites/scratches on neck still a bit raw. Grazing team informed last week. Trough good.

Walked site at 1.30 found all three cattle among the trees in H4. Moving through trees and grazing -  no sign of any problems. Noted lump on 067 which looks larger now than last week.

Friday afternoon

067 having a solitary drink today and his lump actually looked quite prominent again this week.

Other 2 a couple of hundred metres away munching and looked fine.

9th July 10:30am - Brunch

Cow: 075

Location: Slippery. unframed.appealing (L 7 ) 

Summary: furiously eating away, happy to be approached and gave me a lick. 

Eyes/Ears/Back : all fine 

Cow: 067

Location: Same

Summary: eating and alert. no issues.


Eyes/Ears/Back : all fine 



Cow: 088

Location: Same

Summary: eating away but started to walk off from the other two. bites on the neck still present (see below images) on both sides. no sign of discomfort.



Eyes/Ears/Back : all fine