Monday 7th June - Cattle Treated for Fly

Hi All, 

I went on yesterday to give the cattle their fky treatment. All in good nick, in the center of the reserve. 

Thanks for keeping an eye on them. 

It seems from next monday there is a main road closure, A323 Fleet Road, you may need to plan an alternative route. 

 

Grazing Team

Sunday 5th July - All 4 seen

Shortly before 16:30 this afternoon, the cattle were resting in the shade of the bushes about 45 metres east of the main path, near ///able.workers.scrub. They must have heard me approaching, as they all got to their feet and looked out through the thicket. When they realised it was me, they came to the edge of the thicket near the open area to the north. Steers 200 and 208 were quick to wander out to greet me, both enjoying a few head scratches. They were content to stand beside me and chew their cud, while I helped keep the flies away from their faces. Steer 207 was initially happy to remain in the shade, but after a while wandered out to join the boys, only to move back into the bushes about ten minutes later. Cow 201 was also a little shy to begin with, but soon joined the boys. She seems to be beginning to trust me a bit more and was happy to stand close, even enjoying a few strokes.

The cattle were happy to stand beside me, relaxing and chewing their cud in the sunshine. They were all happy, relaxed, and looking well. Steer 200 would occasionally lean in for neck scratches before turning for a back scratch, which I was happy to provide. I said my goodbyes shortly after 17:00, leaving them resting peacefully. They watched as I walked away, and when I looked back, they were already making their way back into the shade.

I wandered along to check the water levels in the ditch and found it completely dry again. I'm beginning to think I may not be checking the correct section of the ditch, as it was completely dry when I visited last Sunday, yet when Chris checked the following day, there was some water present. I checked the stretch from the pile of stones near ///boot.wove.triathlon along the bank to the southeast. Afterwards, I went to check the pasture pumps and found they were both empty. I gave them a good clean and refilled them. A small amount of water was left around the bases and on the ground after cleaning and refilling the pumps.

Afterwards, I had a wander around the silt reservoir to see if I could locate any additional water sources or identify the spot where others check. I found the point where the water exits the reservoir at ///pickup.yarn.dust and where it leaves the reserve at ///bends.nibbled.etchings. There were areas I couldn't check because of the dense thicket, but I wasn't able to find any stretches containing water.

The cows were all good today.

Saturday

No sign of them today at 8-9.30.  

Mon 29th June - staff check

All 4 seen well in the vicinity of the pumps and the ditch. Ditch almost empty but thankfully the pasture pumps showed signs of recent use with fresh water in them and wet ground around the bases. This should settle the question over whether they've been using them or not.

Sunday 28th June - All 4 seen - ditch dry, water pumps empty, concerns over drinking water availability

At 15:50 this afternoon, steer 208 was standing and chewing his cud just inside the test track gate, while the others rested on the strip of grass beside him. He stepped forward to greet me and was happy to receive a few head strokes. After a short while, the others also got to their feet and approached to say hello, giving me plenty of curious sniffs. Steer 200 enjoyed a neck rub before shuffling forward for a relaxing back scratch.

By 16:10, they had drifted off to graze near ///simply.funds.poorly enjoying plenty of fresh grass and leaves from the trees and bushes. They seemed to appreciate the cooler conditions, with a refreshing breeze making the afternoon far more comfortable for them. Steers 200 and 208 would occasionally come over and stand close, seemingly happy to share a bit of company. The cattle continued to graze along the sides of the main path, reaching the cattle grid by 16:30. The group appeared happy, relaxed, and unaffected by the extreme heat over the past few days. They were all seen walking, grazing, and resting normally without any visible issues.

I left them grazing and wandered along to check the ditch, which was completely dry. I also checked the water pumps, where the left-hand tray had only a small amount of water remaining in the bottom and the right-hand tray was dry. There was no indication that the cattle had been using them, and it appeared the water had likely evaporated during the hot weather. I gave both trays a good clean and refilled them.

Afterwards I returned to the cattle, who were now grazing among the gorse bushes along the fence line beyond the cattle grid. I remembered that there had previously been some large pools of water in this area that may once have provided an additional source, but despite a long search, these also appeared to have dried up. The cattle did not appear to be showing any signs of dehydration, suggesting they must still have access to another water source elsewhere. However, it would be sensible to teach them how to make use of the water pumps if possible.

I said my goodbyes to the cattle at 17:30, leaving all four peacefully grazing. Before leaving, I checked the car but didn’t have any suitable containers available to provide some temporary water.

The cows were all good today, although the limited availability of confirmed drinking water sources remains a concern.

Wednesday 24th June - Staff Check

 Found all 4 right in the middle of a gorse bush. How they got there is anyone's guess, as there was no obvious trail and they aren't the smallest cows. They looked well in spite of mishievous exploits

Sunday 21st June - All 4 seen

At 16:50 this afternoon, the cattle were resting in the shade of the trees about 120 metres west of the reservoir, near ///evoke.flasks.whimpered. Steer 208 must have heard me approaching, as he wandered out into the open to greet me, making it easy to spot the rest of the group. The others soon followed, stepping out into the long grass to say hello.

After a short while, I walked back towards the grass track to the south, with the cattle following behind and giving me a better chance to check them over properly. Steer 200 was especially friendly, enjoying a few head strokes and an ear rub. The group then settled nearby, keeping a comfortable distance while relaxing and chewing their cud. They would occasionally step closer, seeming to enjoy the company, while it helped keep many of the flies away from their faces. They were all happy, relaxed, and looking well.

At 17:20, I went down to check the water pumps and noticed that both troughs had a bronze‑coloured sediment collecting at the bottom. I gave them a thorough clean before refilling them. There was still no sign that the cattle had been using them. On the way back, I checked the water levels in the ditch, and there was still plenty of drinking water available.

The cattle began to follow me as I headed towards the pumps, but sensibly stopped and moved back into the shade. I found them again at 17:30, resting among the trees south of the track near ///credible.miss.clasping. They soon wandered out to greet me once more, with steer 200 enjoying a back scratch while the others relaxed nearby. I said my goodbyes at 17:45, leaving them resting peacefully and hoping they would soon move back into the shade out of the warm sunshine.

The cattle were all good today.

Thurs 18th Jun - staff check

All 4 seen well near the watering hole. Steer 200's collar looks very tight. No signs of rubbing but please keep an eye on it.

Still plenty of water in the ditch

Sunday 14th June - All 4 seen

At 16:30 this afternoon, the cattle were resting near ///calms.inflamed.rebirth at the far northern end of the site. All four were lying down when I arrived, but steers 200 and 208, along with cow 201, got up as I approached and made my way through a gap in the bushes to join them. Steer 200 was the first to step forward for a greeting, enjoying a few strokes before settling beside me to chew his cud. The other two soon followed, edging forward for their own hello before standing quietly alongside him. After a short while, steer 207 also rose and wandered over to join the others, forming a relaxed little circle around me as they peacefully chewed their cud. Once we’d spent some quiet time together, the cattle gradually drifted off to graze in the surrounding area, nibbling at the long grass and browsing leaves from the bushes. Steer 200 was especially friendly and regularly wandered back over to stand beside me, leaning in gently for a few curious sniffs before settling nearby again. The others also returned from time to time, content to graze and enjoy a bit of company. All four were happy, relaxed, and looking well. A refreshing breeze was blowing, helping to keep most of the flies away from their faces. I said my goodbyes at 17:10, leaving them grazing peacefully. Before leaving the site, I checked the ditch to make sure there was still plenty of drinking water available.

The cows were all good today.

9th June staff check all seen and ok

Mon 8th, expected the gate to be locked (it was) and no sign of them near the entrance today

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Sunday 7th June - All four seen

At 16:50 this afternoon, the cattle were resting in a lovely open area framed by rows of trees on two sides, about 50 metres east of the main path near ///users.firewall.fussy. They were initially all lying down, but steers 200 and 208, along with cow 201, rose to their feet as I approached. The boys were quick to step forward and say hello, happy to stand beside me, gently sniffing and checking me over. Cow 201 was a little more hesitant, but soon edged closer to join them. After a short while, steer 207 also got up, wandering over to join the others as they relaxed and chewed their cud in a loose circle around me.

After our initial greetings, the cattle gradually drifted off to graze in the surrounding area, mainly nibbling on long grass. Steer 200 was especially friendly and would regularly wander back over to stand beside me. He would lean in curiously, sniffing me and my boots, and at one point even gave my hand a couple of licks. Eventually, they drifted back together again, continuing to relax and chew their cud.

All four were happy, relaxed, and looking well, having dried out after yesterday’s rain. However, I did notice a large number of ticks on each of them. As they stood together quietly chewing their cud, they remained completely at ease and content. I said my goodbyes at 17:30, leaving them resting peacefully. As I returned to the path, I noticed that they had followed me out into the clearing and were watching me leave.

Before leaving the site, I checked the ditch to ensure there was still plenty of drinking water available. There was also plenty of additional water in the puddles along the main path, as well as in the area by the test track gate.

The cows were all good today.

4pm, Fri 5th June, all 4 near the gate which was unlocked

Just passing by and happy to see the cows right near the gate into the test track.  One sitting with the other 3 standing, all stared intently whilst chewing.  Seemed fine but it was just a brief glance.  Didn’t venture onto site so can’t comment on the water situation

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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Sunday 24th May - All 4 seen

Shortly after 17:00 this afternoon, the cattle were gathered in the cool shade of the bushes near ///scored.yourself.reef at the northern end of the site. I suspect they had all been lying down and resting, but steer 200 got up to greet me as soon as he heard me approaching, while cow 201 stood peacefully in the bushes to the south. Before long, they had all got to their feet and started grazing in the surrounding area, enjoying a mix of long grass and leaves from the bushes. The boys all stepped forward to say hello as I made my way around checking on them, with cow 201 initially being a little more hesitant.

All four were content, relaxed, and in good condition, showing no signs of distress despite the intense heat. I said my goodbyes shortly before 17:30.

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

The cows were all good today.