Update - Cattle still at Pondtail

Just a quick update that the cattle are still at Pondtail as we have moved them to the canal part of the site. When the forage gets lower we may move them back to Bramshot but will post an update when we have more info.

Thanks 

Cattle still at Pondtail

 Thanks for the query regarding the cattle. The 3 British Whites are still at Pondtail and are due to stay there for a while longer as there's loads of grass there given the wet summer and the wet heath habitat there. 

We will post an update when they're due to be returning to Bramshot.

Many thanks

 Morning all, it’s been a while now with no updates….

What is happening with the cows?  Are they going to return to Bramshot and if so, when?

I’m even being asked by dog walkers where they are and when will they be back!

Bramshot info

Hi guys, I have spoken to the guy in charge of managing Bramshot and he says that the cattle have been moved due to bracken spraying and will be offsite for at least a month. Pondtail hasn't been grazed since October and Bramshot hasn't had a rest from grazing for a long time, so the forage should be nice and lush for the cows to enjoy! 

If anyone wishes to contribute to checking the herd while they are on Pondtail, please drop me a line and I can pop you onto the Pondtail blog. We currently have cover for Mondays and our Pondtail looker Helen is happy to check them regularly every other week when she is not on her boat, so let me know and we'll organise a rota.

Thank you all for your time and effort in looking after our lovely Bramshot trio 😊

Friday 30th - no cows

Been searching Bramshott for hours, windy and sideways rain, even ended up asking dog walkers..... thanks for the heads up on the move!

Cows moved to Pondtail

3 British White Cattle moved to pondtail 

Tuesday

Teasel came bouncing over as usual. Her and Caledonia look well, other than flies. As already mentioned, Evan has weeping eyes. 

I looked at the trough and it's OK for now, let us know if it gets worse!

Teasel says hi!

Monday 26th July

Found the trio lying down together chewing the cud at K10, at 11.10am this morning. Lots of annoying flies around but all 3 looked ok. Had as close a look at Evan's left eye as I dared, but it seemed alright to me. A streak of tear fluid down his muzzle but nothing obviously wrong, (see photo). 

Trough a little 'scummy' on the top so I swished it around with a stick, but I doubt whether that made any difference!😂

Sunday

 Oh for knowing where they are before you start to walk! Trough OK. Cows OK, lying by the track in K5 all look very fit and well, when I eventually got there!

Saturday 24 July

 Yet another unsuccessful day, thought we had found them and turned out to be a massive white log… maybe next week

Friday 23rd July

Just back from the scorching hot heath. Found Caledonia first at K12, happily munching. 

The other two were a short way away in the bushes at K13, it was quite hard to view them but managed to get a look at Evans eye from about 3 metres away. Its still very watery, with a line of black 'sleep' running from it, his eye looks quite bright and black still though. Didn't think it was an emergency but would think someone more experienced than I taking a look at it before too long wouldn't be a bad idea. Like Teasel though he looked well in himself and was munching away.

Trough good.

Have a good weekend folks,

Richard

Monday 19th July 3pm

 Found all 3 relaxing in L9, shading under the trees. Evan #100 a little teary on left eye. 

Monday 19th July

9.45am. Teasle and Caledonia eating grass at the edge of the track around J7. Evan joined them a little later. All looked fine.

Trough clear with a dog drinking from it!

Sunday

 At 0645 hrs today, all around the path by the fence in C6. All well. Trough OK too.

Saturday 17 July

 Another day of not finding them, I can only assume they had found a nice, cool, damp shady spot somewhere to keep cool in this heat - trough was full and fine 

Friday 16th July

A warm one on the heath today. Found them grazing along the path edge at L4, all looking in good spirits and fit n' well. Trough is good.

Have a good weekend, 

Richard

PS no mounting going on today, perhaps that's something for the weekend :)

Soon as they heard the vehicle they found me!

Monday 12th July

10.30am J11. Eventually found all 3 hiding amongst the fern chewing the cud. All looked fine. A few flies about but they didn't seem bothered.

Trough clear.

Sunday 11th

 All in L11 grazing around the gorse. All look fit and well.

Saturday 10 July

 All good down by their trough - there was a bit of …’mounting’ going on between them! 

Friday 9th July

All well, grazing amongst the heather at H5, looking healthy and content. Trough all good too.

Have a good weekend,

Richard

Monday 5th July

 Like pam, found all 3 down near the railway lines. All well. 

Monday 5th July

Found at 10.30am at I4. All well and happily eating grass.

Trough really clear today.

Sunday

 All lying under the big sweet chestnut right next to the entrance. All look very fit and well. All have some flies round their eyes.

Saturday 3 July

 All good this morning, found them up by the fleet pond area, all sat down under the trees, I think they might be trying to tell us to take umbrellas and wellies out with us today 

Friday 2nd July - Sleepy but good!

It was a warm afternoon today, quiet, few people about. So green and lush at the moment.

Found all three at the grassy area H5, sleepy but looking happy and healthy. 

If teasel looks a bit stiff she had just stood up...

Trough fine.

Have a great weekend!

Richard

PS............

Tuesday 29th june

 Found them right in the middle of the site, well they found me. Very excited running over to the truck. 088 was a bit bargy today so may be something to be aware of. She was still really friendly but I think trying to bully me into giving her some nuts.

Trough all good 

Monday 28th June

All 3 were waiting at the gate for me today at 10.00am. All looked fine and munching on grass.

Trough clear and full.

Hartland car park finished and no potholes to navigate now😁

Saturday 26 June

 Success, found them and they were happily munching away, trough was fine too

Tuesday 22nd June

 Found all 3 up near the main track/trough. All seemed well, chased me in the truck to the pyestock road gate!

Monday 21st June

 A very easy find today at 10.30am; 3 soggy cows on the footpath near the gate, probably around K15. All looked fine.

Trough full to the brim due to the excessive rain we've had.

Note: The car park across the road at Hartland Village SANG is undergoing some renervations. There were signs up saying it was starting today, (21st June), but not for how long. The far part had been sectioned off today, but there was still plenty of parking. Let's hope they're fillling in all the pot holes!

Sunday

 All lying in L12 ignoring the light rain and looking fit and well. Trough OK. Some military training on there today too.

Saturday 19 June

 Feel I am becoming increasingly unlucky finding these cows - trough fine but couldn’t find them today, most probably found a sheltered spot from the rain and I don’t blame them 

Friday 18th June

After a long search I eventually found the illusive trio hiding out around L12 in the bracken, all sat chewing, all looking soggy but well, as I was leaving I saw them crossing the path to take shelter under the trees as the rain came in hard, about 3pm. 

Trough full, lots of standing water across the site after the heavy rain.

Have a good weekend,

Richard

"D'oh!! He's found us!" 

Thursday

All looking well! 

 Walked along top of the site from car park to trough - no sign of cattle. Probably laying in the bracken keeping cool. Checked trough, now back to full level.

Monday 14th June

Couldn't find them this morning! First time I've had a no show. I imagine because the fern is so high and the gorse so thick they were probably lying down somewhere enjoying the sun and I just couldn't see them.

Trough was fine. Did some litter picking whilst I was there - just some lager cans and face masks.😕

Sunday

 Went all round the area but couldn't find them. Trough OK.

Saturday 12 June

 Much more successful this week in finding them! They were fine and in the shade munching away. Saw a few wagging cow tails too, think they’re enjoying the sun

Friday 11th June - Green Grass of Home

Found all three at H5 enjoying the lush new green grass, all were looking well and very focussed on eating. 

Am I seeing things or were there 4 yesterday? There was definitely only three today, it's some kind of witchcraft I tell thee :P

Oh trough was fine too.

Munch Munch Munch...

Oh hello Richard...

Munch munch munch...

Thursday

Well finally found them today. All looking good. They were in the woods near H7.

Monday 7th June

All lying contentedly chewing the cud around H15 at 9.45am. Their coats looked particularly clean and well groomed today!

Trough looked fine. Actually saw a dog drinking from the bowl for the first time. :)

Sunday

 An easy find as all in H7. The boys grazing on patches of grass before the bracken covers them and Teasel lying cudding. All look very good. Two broken fence posts in B6 but the barb is just still holding them up. Cattle could not currently get out.

Saturday 5 June

 Struggled to find them today, went a bit later than usual (4:30pm) did 2 laps but they are hide and seek experts

Silver-studded blue butterfly watch 2021

Hey everyone, I hope you are all well and enjoying the warm weather! I have been asked to circulate this around; the Thames Basin Heathes Partnership would like people to report any sightings of silver-studded blue butterflies. If you are interested, please follow this link for all the information you need, plus details on identification: https://www.tbhpartnership.org.uk/news/silver-studded-blue-butterfly/ Thanks!

All came racing up the white van today

Monday 31st May

Glorious afternoon to be out and hardly anyone around!

Caledonia found just off the path around K15, Evan and Teasel around H14. All seem very happy that there is some grass to eat at last! Evan has several ticks I've noticed.

Trough full and a little scummy on top so a did a surface skim with a stick and gave it a good stir.

2.15pm

Sunday

 All in or around the gorse in L13. All fit and well.

Saturday 29 May

 Went to see them at 2:45 today but army training and they politely asked us to leave before we saw the cows - will happily return tomorrow if needed :-)

Friday 28th May - Stealthy Cattle..

Was up at Bramshot around half 3, started at the trough as its going to be a warm one this weekend. Then explored the whole site, including regular hideaways, and could find them nowhere.

I got a drink from the garage as despite the rain it was really warm, then returned to find all three up by the trough! Sneaky, I tell you when our backs are turned those three can move undetected with a ninja like stealth! ;)

All are looking well!

Have a good weekend,

Richard

Monday 24th May

Found all three down near the trough. All happy and no issues, very vocal as usual. As mentioned in earlier post the trough is very full with the rain we’ve had. No other issues

Monday 24th May

Found all 3 around G13/F14 at 9.15am this morning. All rummaging happily in the leaf litter. When she swished her tail I noticed Teasel seemed to have reddish speckles at the top of both rear inner thighs. They may always be there but I hadn't noticed this before. I didn't get too close for obvious reasons but it might be worth someone checking. 

Trough very full due to copious amounts of rain this week!

Saturday 22 May

 All good, right on the path towards the entrance gate by the carpark. Trough was fine and they were munching away on leaves. 

Friday 21st May - Windswept and Interesting...

 ...but mainly windswept. Found Evan and Caledonia chewing the cud in the little Birch Copse at D5, Teasel within sight on the path at E5 tucking into that nice fresh green grass. All well.

Trough good. Bluebells look great. 

Have a good weekend,

Richard

Tuesday

All three looking fine! 

Monday 17th May - a wild cow chase!

Found Teasel lowing by herself at 10.00am around I 10, obviously looking for the boys. I followed her for about 15 minutes, (she can get up quite a speed!), and then went in the opposite direction as she kept going back to the same area. Caught up with them all about E5 having found a patch of lush grass. I should have kept following her as she found them before I did!😂

All looked well, just a few flies around again.

Trough was very full due the amount of rain over the weekend.

Sunday

 All 3 in I11 looking great. Heard a cuckoo for the first time in many years.

Saturday 15th May

 All good, down by their trough (which was full and looked fine). Evan took a real interest to a man’s bicycle propped up against the tree, was very cute to see 

Friday 14th May

7pm. All three well and tucking into the green Birch shoots, having enjoyed their brief staycation in the field. All three grazing on the track at E5.

Have a good weekend,

Richard

cattle back on site

The same 3 back on site after the all clear from a TB test.

Cattle Off Site For a Few Days.

 Hi Folks,

Hope you all are keeping well.

We're in the throes of TB tests at the moment so the three cattle have been moved over to Foxlease until Thursday to make the logistics of the test simpler.

They should be back on Bramshot Heath sometime Thursday so we'll post another update then.

Thanks

Rich.

Monday 10th May

The quickest fiind ever! All 3 together near the large broken tree around L12 at 11.00am. Caledonia and Teasel lying in the ferns chewing the cud and Evan standing up gorging on gorse. All looked fine; a few flies around but they didn't seem bothered.

Trough clear

Saturday 8 May

 Belated sorry!! But they were all good, all sat down, trough was clean, funnily enough they were in exactly the same place as I found them last week!

Sunday

 All 3 lying cudding in the dead bracken in G6. Lot of flies around their eyes and noses otherwise all well.

Friday 7th May - Bedtime at Bramshot

I swear they know that I need the exercise. I got to site later than usual, about 5pm. It took me 90 minutes to find them! They were all tucked up in bed in a little clearing at J8. Although all sat down and very sleepy, they looked well. 

Trough good.

Have a good weekend,

Richard

Thursday 6th - Social distancing

 Location : Thanks.Strategy.spouse (D15)

Ran across the Heath at around 9am this morning and found all three of them in different locations. 

Evan was by the trough (D15), Teasel further along the path (H13) and Caledonia in the woods near the fence (F13)

There was a lot of mooing but all were generally happy to be approached and busy hoovering up any green leaves they could find. 

Wednesday 5th

 late blog! walked yesterday and covered most of site. No sign of cattle - hiding somewhere in gorse?

Trough working OK

A tree has fallen across the fence at E7 and wire is broken. Tree debris is blocking the hole so no immediate worry of escaping cattle.

Tuesday 4th May

 Found the three of them led up by the birch woodland near the fleet pond entrance. All looked well. 

Monday 3rd May

 All found around F12 just off the track at 10.40am. Caledonia was lying down chewing the cud and the other two were nearby foraging. All looked well and contented.

Trough was clear.

Sunday 2nd

 All on or near the main track in I11 grazing on the shortest of grass. All fit and well.

Saturday 1st May

 Very happy cows all munching on leaves (and carrots found on the floor, I hope this is okay?) - Evan was licking his front leg when we approached. They seemed fine and healthy (and hungry) 

Friday 29th April

All well at Bramshot.

Everyone was full of beans today, found Caledonia alone at first (G7) but came over to see me, then Evan emerged and also stopped to say hi. Teasel was nowhere to be seen so both headed off calling out and I followed a way behind, Teasel appeared and trotted over to rejoin the group (H12), to much Moooooing. It was fun to see. They all looked happy and healthy. Evan does still look like he's licking the tops of his front legs though.

Trough okay.

Have a good weekend,

Richard

27th April They were eventually seen in the NW of the site

Monday 26th April

Found all 3 around H8/7 and G7 at 10.30am. All happily eating. 

Evan seems to have a streak of dried blood near the top of his right front leg, probably due to stretching through the barbed wire. No wound obvious.

Trough clear.

Saturday 24th April

 All good, nice to see them sunbathing by the trough which was clean - one of them had some ‘lick marks’ on their side but all seemed happy 

ßunday 25th

 All around the trough then moving back up the track. All fit and well. Trough OK.

Friday 23rd April

Found all three at 11am grazing at B6, all seemed content but noticed Evan was excessively licking the tops of his front legs (or are they arms), on closer look he has some ticks there which seemed to be irritating him. Made the office aware. Trough all good.

Have a good weekend,

Richard

Friday

 Found all 3 grazing near the white gate at 3.30. They appear to have found some new grass among the brambles! All looking fit and healthy. Teasle stuck her head through the barbed wire to get to fresher leaves and managed without getting scratched. Quite expert and obviously had done this before.

Trough working OK

Teasle and barbed wire - the mark on her neck seems to be quite dry.

Monday 19th April

All 3 sunbathing around I12 as it seems they've been doing all week! Met them at 10.15am. All looked good, a few flies buzzing around but the trio weren't bothered. Felt I was interrupting their snooze! :)  

Trough full and clear.

Sunday 18th

 All 3 in I13 around the lick. Evan taking it in his mouth to pull it away from Teasel who was having to pull it back! All 3 fit and well.

Saturday 17th April

 Was really lovely to see them lounging around in the sun right opposite their trough - trough looked good and no signs of anything suspicious, think they were enjoying sunbathing in public 

Friday 16th April

Found the three in exactly the same spot as last week, also two resting up and chewing, one still eating. So I've renamed this part of the heath 'the Friday chill spot', otherwise known as I12.

They were on good form, trough also okay. 

Have a good weekend,

Richard

Wednesday

 Walked around the site at 3.30. Found all 3 in the open area of J7. Teasle and Caledonia laying chewing cud, Evan away in the gorse grazing. All look fit and healthy.

Trough working OK

Wednesday

All three looking well! 

Monday 12th April

Found all 3 eating gorse around H12 area at 10.40am on a sunny, snowy morning. All looked well and keen to eat!

Trough was clear and not frozen over as anticipated.

Nil

 

Saturday 10th April

 Hello! Myself and my sister, Amy, are new lookers - our first time today! Managed to locate them and they seemed fine, one sitting alone but was soon joined by the others. 

Friday 9th April

1pm - found the two Ladies and Evan resting up on the heathland at I12. All lying down and sleepy but alert as I approached, perky eared, clean and looking content. Couldn't see any evidence of injury (seeing yesterdays entry) or excessive flies etc. Trough ok.

Fence slightly down under fallen branch at B6, office informed and on the case.

Have a good weekend.

Richard

8th April - far flung corners

Online. Pizza. Starfish. (O2)

all three foraging in the far corner of the reserve.

75 had some blood on the front left. not clear what has caused it and he didn't seem too fussed. 

Tuesday 6th April

 Found all 3 in G12. All looking well. Dropped off a lick for them at I12 which they tucked straight into. Trough good. 

Monday 5th April

 Found all 3 around D4, near the parking area at 11.20am. All looked in good health and rummaging in the leaves.

Trough clear and accessible.

Friday 2nd April

1.15pm - found all three together up by the trough. Two laying down ruminating, the other foraging. All looked well. Trough ok.

Have a Happy Easter,

Richard

Thursday 1st

 Found all 3 near to trough rummaging in the dead leaves and bracken. Looking quite clean and healthy no problems.

Trough working OK

All three seen by trough

1st April - No cows to be seen.

 walk around the site at 10am this morning but couldn't find any of them! Assume this is some form of April fools joke. 

The trough is in good shape and gate near by working fine.

Monday 29th March

Found all 3 together at D14 around 10.40am. Caledonia quite vocal but not in distress - may be due to activity in the adjacent field, (first day for group activity after Lockdown so cars and model aeroplane people).

All looked fit and well, foraging in the leaves. Evan had his head through the barbed wire again but no damage today.

Sunday 28th

 All 3 widely spread out in the top right corner of the area nosing under leaf litter. All fit and well. Trough OK.

Friday 26th March

I'm a new Looker (hi everyone), will be lookering on Fridays, so attended site with Ciara today for training. We located all three looking well at E4. Whilst we were there talking cow health they did become very inquisitive and very vocal, and they then followed us down to the gate at F7, we suspect they were hopeful of nuts or Salt Lick perhaps. 

Last seen at together at G12 as we left. 

Take care,

Richard

Thursday 25th March

Fixed the broken fence near the trough. All 3 came over to try and help which in fact wasn’t helpful but a nice thought all the same. All looking good, gave them some nuts for waiting so patiently for me to finish the fence

25th March - Salt Lick City

 Intervene.Look.Runs E15

All three were near the trough, huddling around a salt lick.

No issues to report bar 75 wasn't getting much of a look in on the Salt lick which led to some headbutting, so I moved it into a space that enabled a bit more sharing.

Tuesday 23rd March

All found laid down by the trough. All good and trough good

Tuesday 23rd March

 7:30am and we followed Evan round along the fence to meet the others just up from the trough. They were all very noisy calling each other I’m guessing as they quietened down once gathered together lol.

All looked well, I didn’t see any flies on any of them, trough ok too. 

I’ve had a few comments about how good the new gate is over on the railway side and I’m hoping there will be the same type of gate installed over on the Pyestock side very soon.

Monday 22nd March

Found all 3 around the trough area at 10.40am on a beautiful sunny morning. Evan was eating what I assume is the remains of a lick, Caledonia and Teasel foraging in the leaves. Both Evan and Caledonia seemed to have lots of small flies on their underbodies and around their sheaths but no other marks or problems.

Sunday 21st

 All in F12 eating brambles then moving down the path towards the trough. All look very content and fit and well.

18th March -

 Unzips. Newer. Smiling F5

Found all three close to the car park by the railway line. The excitement of new gates being fitted had drawn them up from their usual foraging spots and they were moving towards the workmen.

75 has some ticks on his front right leg but didn't show much concern for them (hadn't licked the area)

Evans' cut looks like it has healed and has licked the area. No other issues to report.

Monday 15th March

 All lying down in the ferns chewing the cud in L11. Obviously difficult to check legs/under body but what I could see looked fine. 

Whisked some thin branches out of the trough, other than that all good.

Sunday drop by

I got called by a concerned walker about the cows being excitable. I've just watched them for ten minutes and they seem calm and quiet. It's possible that they thought they were getting fed by someone!

Sunday

 Met initially by 2 concerned  women with their  dogs who reported the cows were running and seemed agitated. Found the cows in D7. Tag 75 (who I have down still as Cronus) was very vocal at something (not seen by me) in the open field beyond the fence but all 3 were fine and calm/approachable. 75 has a tick at the top of his  right front leg.

11th March

 Thruster. Kicks. Dame (K12)

All three foraging near the trough among the leaves. Generally all in good shape and happy to be approached.

Evan (160) has a scratch on his front Left, which I think has been noted before, but it did seem to be fresh blood (see image below). 

He didn't seem too fussed by it. 

Tuesday 9th March

All 3 still laying down by the mineral lick just up from the trough at 6:45am looking ok but didn’t want to be disturbed lol.  Trough & gate ok too

Monday 8th March

Found around E15 at 10.30am. Teasel and Evan foraging in the leaf litter, Caledonia munching holly. 

Surprised to find the trough, (and dog bowl!), iced over so broke up the surface. All 3 heading towards it as I left.

Monday

Popped in with a mineral lick and had a look over them. A couple of ticks on Teasel, but otherwise fine.

Sunday

 The boys in I13 taking heather with Teasel in F14 being fed ivy by a couple. All fit and well.

Friday 5th

 Found all 3 cattle in I14 at 3.30, rummaging in the trees and leaf mould for whatever they could find (mouldy acorns?). The two boys were a bit frisky and appeared to be butting each other, head to head. All three moving OK and showing no problems.

Trough and gate working OK

Tuesday 2nd March

 Found all 3 together just before the trough at 07:15am and they were just getting up by the looks of it lol. We watched to make sure they were moving about ok and all looked good. I didn’t know about Evan’s ear until logging on just now but I didn’t notice it so can’t be that bad. I will keep a look throughout the week though. He’s a right one, always getting into trouble lol. Trough and gate both ok too.

 Monday 1st March

Found near the trough around 10.30am. Didn't notice Evan's scratch, so may have been after this? (Didn't blog until after lunch). 

I easily found Teasel first but she was on her own. She started walking down the track alongside the fence so I followed her in the hope that we'd come across the other 2. She mooed when she saw them on the opposite track and all 3 started walking back to the trough!

Are there now 2 of us looking on a Monday? Might be good to co-ordinate times if this is the case, or maybe change days?

Monday 1st March

 Evan has, by the looks of it, had his head through a barbed fence and caught it just behind his ear. Doesn't look all too bad and the bleeding has stopped. Something to monitor. 

Otherwise Caledonia and Teasel look well. All found milling near the trough and desperately rooting for the last acorns. 

Lick dropped off. 

Sunday 28th

 All not far from the trough. Evan with his head pushed through barbed fence to eat. All looking very good. Gate is fine it slams shut.

Saturday 27th

 Found all 3 dozing near to the trough (about A16). Teazle appeared to be asleep the other 2 chewing cud looking quite healthy and relaxed in the sunshine.

Trough and gate working OK.

Thursday 25th

 Assembles. Torelables. Mavericks  (M12)

I found all three deep in the Gorse around the bottom of M12. 

Both 75 & 160 were busy eating and no obvious issues to report from the distance I was at.  I did note a lot of flies around Teasels' (88) udders. I doubt it's summer mastitis or anything serious but one to keep an eye

Wednesday 24th

 Found all 3 laying in the sunshine in J11 at 3.30. All looking very relaxed chewing cud. No problems.

  

Trough and gate working OK.

All three came running as soon as they saw the truck, all OK

Tuesday 23rd February

 7.30am All 3 were spotted at a distance entering the dense gorse so I could t get a good look but were trotting along ok. Trough & gate ok

 Monday 3.00pm

Trough full and all looked fine.

Found Teasel and Evan in the gorse around L8. Couldn't locate Caledonia to start with, but then he appeared. All 3 looked in good condition and were enjoying a feast of prickly gorse! 👍

Sunday

 All not far from the trough. Nosing through leaf litter.  All a bit soggy but fit and well. Trough OK.

Thursday 18th

Found all three in the flat area of K6. Teasle (088) laying in the dead bracken chewing cud. Both bullocks grazing 50 yds away. Unable to get a close look as this area is full of marshy puddles but they seemed to be moving well with no problems.
The site was full of people walking, lots of dogs and small children.
Trough working OK and now clear of ice. The rubber tube on the gate has broken but the gate is still closing OK.

Despite the mild weather large pieces of ice needed to be removed from the trough today - I suspect all will be gone tomorrow.

All 3 cows found together at 11.20am near the car park about E4, (I think!). All looked fine and were eating enthusiastically. Success for my first 'looking' experience.👀😊 

Friday 12th

 Found all 3 laying in the sun chewing cud keeping out of the wind. Temperature minus 1.  No problems. 

Trough full of ice so I used the sticks to break it. No sound of water coming in - should watch that.

(could not load photos on this blog?? - need to sort that)

Loaded this in old blog OK then came back here and edited this blog and it took the photos. will try again next time

Tuesday 9th

 All 3 spread out around the trough side between 07:30 & 08:30 on this very cold morning with their heads down. Looking good.

The gate appears to be holding up well 🤞. I had to break the thick ice in the trough and left a branch in there again but obviously it never stays there.

Sunday 7th

 All not far from the trough going for acorns under leaf litter. Fit and well. Trough OK.

Saturday 6th

 Saw cattle from a distance in L11 at 3.30 rummaging in the gorse. Too wet and muddy to get close but they seemed to be moving OK with no obvious problems.

Trough full and working.

Tuesday 2nd

 Found the cattle in L10 at 3.30, rummaging deep in the gorse. All looked fit and healthy.

Trough OK

Monday 1st Feb

All 3 in G14 between 0715 & 0845 (they didn’t get very far!), all looking good, one using a tree to have a good old scratch which my little JRT found very amusing. Trough and gate both fine

Sunday

 All 3 in rapid transit up the track in H11. All look fit and well. Trough OK.

Thursday 28th - in the thick of it

 Convinced.Songbird.Wildly ( K9)

all three hiding deep in the gorse. 

No obvious issues I could see from a distance. Gate and trough ok

Monday 25th Jan

 Found all 3 and dropped off a lick at L8. All seemed well. 

Snowy Sunday morning 24th

 

Saturday

 All in J11/K12 nosing through leaf litter. All seem fine. Trough OK.

Tuesday

 Found all 3 cattle at 11.30, spread out near the lick in J12/K12. Teasle having a good lick at the lick.

Noted she has a black mark on her neck, possibly from the sore she had a few months ago, which looked to be weeping.  Needs to be watched. The other two were moving through the gorse and grazing with no problems.

Trough OK

Teasle at the lick, note the mark on her neck

Monday

early evening saw them all at the trough end of the site in amoungst gorse heath area. Gave them some nuts ans put a lick down! all seemed well!

Sunday

 Couldn't find them. Trough OK. Very many walkers out.

Friday

 Looked late Friday, around 3.30. Spotted 2 of the cattle in J11. Looked to be grazing OK.

Trough and gate working

Wednesday 13th

We walked the Pyestock fence around 7:45 to find the fence had been cut leaving a hole of approx 6ft high x 3ft wide with another make shift fence damaged too.

Further down to where the big tree came down there are also lots of big branches that have been put up so someone has tried to get over the fence there as well.  I called Graham around 8am and left a msg. I also called the Army MOD OPs room to report it. While I was still there I saw a couple of what looked like security guys over the other side and called them over. They were going to sort the fence out so there should be no risk to the cows. 

Talking about Cows, I could only find 2 this morning in the woods just up from the trough but couldn’t find the other one anywhere! Trough and gate ok

At midday they were still near the trough.

Tuesday 12th

All 3 were close to the gate by the trough again at 8am, a little wet but ok, waiting for an opportunity to get through the gate if I didn’t know better lol. Was funny to see One of the boys sneeze too, made my little JRT jump out of his skin! Trough & gate on too.

Sunday 2.30

 Looked at 2.30 on Sunday. Found all 3 grazing on leaf mould under trees in K11. No obvious problems. 

Trough and gate working OK

Sunday

 All 3 in N12 browsing gorse. A bit scruffy but look fit and well.

Thursday 7th Jan

Location: Uppermost.furniture.firepower (G13) - 12:20

Found all three on the move from G13 into H13/I12. All three look well, though I did notice that Teasel (88) has a slight limp on her hind leg. I saw this was noted below as well. 

Bar that they all looked in fine health. Evan is being as boisterous as ever, he even gave me a friendly headbutt.

gate looks ok. 

Video is Teasel having a good head scratch

Wednesday

 Walked late (3.30) found all 3 deep in the gorse at M12. Unable to get close but they looked to be happy grazing on the gorse. 

Trough and gate OK

Tuesday 5th

Started early morning walk in the dark but they were easy to spot at 7:45 walking along the inside fence path from H9, 10, 11, 12 and so on heading towards the trough side. They were looking good but Teasel looked like she had a little limp so we continued our walk and headed back to check on them again on our way back to the car. They were then in F15 at 8:30 heads down munching away. She seemed better but did lift her back right leg while I watched her for a few minutes. Maybe we just need to keep an eye on her, it might just be where she’s got up in the cold this morning.

Monday 4th all found

 Had a quick check through and they were all close by the trough. They all look happy. 

Mon 4th

Nearly gave up! On final leg of our walk at 8:30am and there they were all 3 together just up from the trough trying to find what they could to munch on. All looking good. Trough ok and so is the gate holding out.

Sunday

 Lots of people out again. Cows deep in the gorse in J13. All look really well and very intent on browsing said gorse.

2 Jan

 In J8 and K9 browsing gorse. All fit and  well.  Hundreds of walkers out too.

None seen