Wednesday 28th February

 All 16 cows spread across the dip ,grazing or laying down, no concerns. Electric fence working.

The usual group of 7 deer seen in the next field.

Reserve Update

 Hi all,

Volunteers and staff have been carrying out works so thought I'd explain some :)

I drove around with the cut and collect tractor the other day, it was rather wet but the only window I could borrow it. This allowed me to cut back some of the paths to improve accessibility for the public. But the collect aspect means I'm removing nutrients and thatch which should encourage more wild flowers to flourish. This is why I've cut such a large area outside of the houses. It is under our agreed management plan so good to start getting in there and enhancing that area.

We have spent a lot of time, tree popping and digging out buddleia and sycamore both of which invasive species. The removal of such species reduces encroachment and encourages more wildflower meadow species. This has primarily been in the education area.

Tomorrow we will be undertaking a similar task.

I will also be planting some hopeful disease resistant Elm saplings tomorrow with our work party. These will be left to grow to maturity in which supporting the white letter hairstreak butterfly for example. Since Dutch Elms disease has wiped out a huge majority of our trees many species that rely on Elms have understandably been in decline. Hampshire County Council sourced these trees and we were successful in a grant in receiving them, so fingers crossed they are resistant.

Thanks for post regarding the deer Chris. We will keep an eye out for evidence of deer. I think the white hair on the posts could be cows scratching potentially?

Thank you all for your time,

Sam

Dead roe

 There are two dead adult roe in the western enclosure - both seem slightly unusual. 

One is halfway down the hedgeline. There's a distance of around 20 metres between where it's been killed/died (1) and where it's been broken up and the remains have been left (2). That seems unusual and challenging for a fox - could badgers do that - or dogs?

The other carcass is close to the southern gate. It looks intact, although the back leg has been eaten, but... There's fur outside the enclosure and on the gate post, suggesting someone's dragged the dead deer into the field.

I'm sharing this not to be gross or sensationalist, but in case this is evidence of dogs, poaching etc and we need to keep eye out.

Sat 24 Feb

 All 16x cattle seemed fine. Grazing well, moving about. No concerns.

Electric fence working and charging. Trough full and refilling.

One buzzard, plenty of skylarks already. One roe buck and six does.

Wednesday 21st February

 All 16 cows were along the hedge between the gate by the houses and the trough, trying to shelter from the wind and rain, but otherwise ok. Electric fence working. Found a golf ball in the field.

Sat 17 Feb

 All 16x cattle seemed fine - spread out, grazing, no problems seen.

Trough full and fine.

Fence working and charging.

Wednesday 14th February

 All 14 cows spread across the top of the field, near the electric fence (green light on) Happily grazing, no problems seen.

Wednesday 7th February

 All 14 cows were spread across the upper field, grazing and looking content.

I went up to check the electric fence but one of the cows was standing right in front of it, so I decided to give it a miss. Seven deer seen in the next field.

Tuesday 6th February

 Went up to the meadows today. The cows were in the dip and in 2 groups with one cow stood away from the 2 groups (same one as noted previously). Went in to check the water trough and electric fence, but decided to leave before checking as it was a little disconcerting having 14 cows galloping over to say hi. Was followed closely by all back to the gate. The cow standing on her own joined in with the others to check me out and have a sniff. Will contact Sam to have a proper induction so I know how to deal with them for future visits. No deer seen. 

Annette