#30DaysWild no 11. Higher Punchardon Farm has brought us some cows to graze at Wheatland Farm for the summer. Here’s a clip of them coming out of the trailer to explore the meadow where the turbine is.
We have eight young cows this year, and plenty of grass for them to eat. They are all new to Wheatland Farm, and are a little more skittish than the ones we had last June. We’ll have to go out and get them familiar with us. This evening, when they were let out, they pretty much cantered to all four corners of Lower Newland Moor checking out the boundaries. We were glad we didn’t have to try to round them up again!
We’ll be particularly interested in how/whether they eat the grass and young rush in the ‘spots’ we mowed. Right now, it’s hard to imagine now dominated by rush these were – they are brimming with grasses and birdsfoot trefoil.
Later in the year we’ll probably mow a few new patches, starting with the scythe and then taking the brush cutter mower in, but first we’ll see what the herbivores do.
Previously on #30DaysWild
This time last year: there was a kingfisher around. In 2021 we’ve seen them fairly frequently too. It’s always worth glancing up from the windows in Otter Cottage, or looking ahead for a flash of turquoise as you come around the corner.
This time in 2019: We were appreciating the birds. And once again, there’s a fabulous cacophony out there, especially if you’re staying in the lodges, which are nearly surrounded by trees.
This time in 2018: The Emperor dragonflies were laying eggs at the pond. This year we’ve only just seen the first few males hawking over the field below Balebarn Lodge – no females yet.
This time in 2017: We were sky gazing while remembering someone who had passed away, and all the good things she did for us. We’ll raise a glass today too.