Cattle in the mid-southern half of the fen, luckily just visible from the gate so didn't have to search. All looked good, munching away mainly on the trees and not so bothered by flies. 132 led them back to the main gate so they could all get a good drink. Just a thought - is there enough water supply for them all in the very hot weather? They do seem to have roamed now over the whole fen, but they don't seem to eat nearly as voraciously as the small Devon Reds last year!
Checked the cattle this lunch time, all near the pasture pump, which one of them demonstrated was working well. Less flies on each of them today, likely due to the cooler weather. The grazing team have let me know that they plan to visit this week to spray them.
All looked well and relaxed as usual, I would like to see a bit more roaming around the fen from them, I'm not entirely sure they are eating much throughout the fen other than near the gate. Will give them a few more weeks in that compartment though.
Jo
Cattle all conveniently by the Western Fen gate, all lying down in a bit of shade at around 07:30. The larger male especially tucked in good shade right in the corner and was more reluctant to get to his feet when the other 3 did. All troubled with many flies, but all looked alert and in good health. By 08:00 they were in a line walking by the E fence moving south. Pasture pump all working ok.
Checked the cattle at 8am this morning to avoid the worst of the heat. They were all in the shade under the trees by the gate. All relaxed and taking it easy and all sitting by the time I left. Pasture pump working well.
On Friday I did see a spotted flycatcher on one of the willow saplings near the pasture pump for those that might want to keep an eye out for it.
Cattle all looking well, near the pasture pump again which Is working. A few had quite a few flies around their noses, but the grazing team let me know they will come in the next week or 2 to spray them. I later heard the cattle walking down the fence line while I was on the permissive path, so does seem like they are doing some exploring.
Cattle all by the pasture pump again today, which was working well. Looking well and relaxed. Thank you to Pete for putting some WD40 on the padlock, it's working well now. Jo
All cattle by the gate about 11am. Some had a fair few flies on eyes and nose, but it is a very hot day. Other than that all OK.
Cattle near the gate for me both days, I'm surprised they weren't in the shade already today. Nonetheless all look well, less disagreements today. Probably too hot for it.
The padlock is a bit sticky and requires a fair few yanks to open it and a fair bit of bashing to get it locked again. I will bring some wd40 next time I'm out to try and loosen it.
The british whites are back at Fishlake and have gone into the Western Fen. Ear tag numbers are 132, 179, 56, 103. I checked them today and they all looked fine, some slight disagreements between them, but still altogether in a group and looking well. Already done some good trampling.
