Tuesday 6th January

 Waited until late morning after snowfall. 3 cows near water trough in the sun and exposed grass. All seemed okay. Cleared ice from the water trough though very icy on the ground in front of the trough. Water flow okay. EF on good pulse on detector and green light flashing.

Tue 06 Jan

 I went out to break the ice again and to work the ball valve loose. The cows seem fine - they seem to be moving carefully over the frozen ground (especially around the trough which is just ice now), but I don't think that's a cause for concern.

Mon 5th Jan

 Trough ice is very thick - well done for breaking it open Chris! I can break it open first thing tomorrow if the other looker isn't there early.  I thought the green ear tag cow (see pic) was moving quite lethargically, maybe the cold? Chris P mentioned that yellow ear tag has been quite aggressive, I was 20 yards away but didn't have the same experience today.

 

Mon 05 Jan

 I popped out early to knock the ice off the drinking trough (you're welcome, Dan!) and checked the supply pipe is running (which it is).

Sun 04 Jan

 The three cows were fine and the fence was working well.

The trough had a 2" thick layer of ice across it. I had a hammer with me, and so I knocked it all through - I recommend the other lookers take a hammer with them, during the coming cold days. All three cows came over and drank straight away. I worked the ball valve loose and the trough refilled.

Lovely still morning. Three roe were lying in the sun in the western enclosure.

 

Saturday 3/1/26

 Cows grazing near the EF which gave me a decent zap when I checked it. Once again I didn’t check the trough as I don’t know whether the cows can move quicker than me should the need arise. One of the cows had a drink from the trough and his mouth was right near the top so there must have been plenty of water. I sat on a bench on the far side drinking coffee and watching the cows with binoculars. One of the boys looked right back at me.

Thursday 1/1/26

 Out for a walk so I looked in on the cows. Initially resting and watching me walk the perimeter, then grazing. EF giving a nice zap when tested with grass. Didn’t check the trough as the cows weren’t far from it. The one in the small meadow was full, if that helps at all!  Ravens and stonechats are about and the three roe deer.