staff check 4th June all ok and water.

all 4 cows fine - 3rd June

Checked them today and all 4 were looking fine, chewing the cud in NW corner.

Water levels in the ditch are fine, the water level is up slightly (although less than I expected after all this rain) and water is still trickling through from the silt reservoir. No obvious sign that they're using the pasture pumps!

Some silver studded blues and willow warblers been blown around in the wind!

Sunday 31st May - All 4 seen

At 17:30 this afternoon, the cattle were grazing near ///choice.staked.flaunting at the far northern end of the site. They were enjoying the long grass and browsing on the leaves of nearby bushes. Steer 208 was initially grazing by the fence line, but soon wandered over to join the others. They seem to be getting used to my visits, taking it in turns to step forward, say hello, and give me an inquisitive sniff. Even the normally shy cow 201 came straight over to greet me.

After a while, steer 207 wandered off to graze in the thicket to the northeast, while steers 200 and 208, along with cow 201, formed a loose circle around me and began to relax and chew their cud in the late-afternoon sun.

All four were happy, relaxed, and in good condition, and were clearly enjoying the cooler conditions and refreshing breeze. As they stood quietly together, chewing their cud, they looked completely at ease and content. I said my goodbyes at 18:00, leaving them peacefully grazing in the evening sunshine.

Before leaving, I wandered round to check that there was still plenty of drinking water in the ditch.

The cows were all good today.

Saturday

 All found at 8.30 in the small area to the right of the entrance gate. All looking fine. 

Friday 29th - Staff Check

 All four cattle were chewing the cud and looking like they were enjoying a respite from blazing sun! All looking well, water levels still good in ditch

All 4 cattle well, water level in ditch good, open at weekends...

 I checked the 4 early this morning and all were looking well - grazing to the east of the pasture pumps.

The water level in the ditch is good, comparing it to a photo i took in mid- April, it hasn't dropped. Checking the sluice there's still a small amount of water coming through from the silt reservoir. The troughs of the pasture pumps were half full, so I filled them.

I've now heard back from the MoD and Test Track is open this coming weekend (Saturday and Sunday) and every weekend in June. It's not open to the public during the week. If you're willing to ring the MoD Operations Room on arrival and departure from site, just to say that you're checking the cows, that can be helpful. The number is: 07484 516900 and give them the military code for test track, which is B4d. 

The pre-arranged MoD opening/closure times are usually accurate but in case things change if the pedestrian gate is locked and the red sign is showing No Access, then please don't go onto Test Track.

Many thanks. 

8am, Monday 25th May, unfortunately gate locked

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