Wednesday 28th March

All twelve very soggy cattle found today in 12R today. Despite the conditions they were all on good form. #21 didn't look any thinner than Guy's observations last week but we will continue to keep a close eye on her.

I put two licks out in that area to keep them topped up.

Sunday morning

No cattle sightings, but it looks like someone had a party, with a fire, last night. This was at the top of the path from the Rowhills gate.

Full house thanks in part to yesterday's wanderings.

Found the other 6 around the remains of 2 licks in Heather near the first main pond you get to from the Shell Garage. The herd then moved to the Heather opposite Gelverts fence line near main track leading down to the covered reservoir.

All very relaxed in the sun moving as a close herd. The lil guys 033, 035 and 021 are a little thin, especially 021, but licks are out, sun is out, and it won' be long before the grasses start to grow again. Have informed the grazing team and that we would monitor.

One of the lil'uns had a bleeding nose , but I'm closer inspection, nothing major.

At least 3 woodland all singing away at the Caesars/Gelvert fence line. Lovely.

(Belated report Tuesday 20th) Looker session #1 and#2 success! Only found 6 of the herd however so back in tomorrow.

I was out all day on two looker sessions at Caesars with the new SPA (Special Protection Area) Wardens! Look out for these lovely ladies and gents in their red beanies and SPA marked jackets who will be engaging with the public to help raise awareness of the importance of our heaths! If you see some of them, please do introduce your good selves and say Hi! : ) You will see them on Caesar's, Gelvert, Long Valley and Velmead : )

Will try again for a full house of cattle tomorrow.

Tuesday am

The entire herd, in two groups, were in the lower part of Long Bottom. One of the groups was being chased by a large doberman, whilst the owner carried on walking up a track, parallel to us. He’s been spoken to in the past, but to no avail. No. 33, in particular, was being chased but had settled down by the time we reached the group.

LAte post for Friday 16th

Tool a couple of hours to find them but in the end I caught site of one in woods up behind the dead tree pond. Called them all out with a bucket of nuts and put down a lick. All look fine.

Two rather listless brown & white at northern end of Long Bottom early this afternoon,.