Friday December 31st

During my first dog walk of the day (6.30am) the sheep were all congregated by the fence in the South East corner (right near my house!) I then walked into the field at around 8.30am and all 61 sheep were  spread out all across the Eastern field - with the long grass they're much harder to count now. The cattle were grazing in the North East side of the field. I couldn't see any issues other than a few dirty backsides, it's so wet out there, the footpath is now very boggy in places but the field is fine, it seems to drain very well despite all of the rain. Water trough fine.

Thursday December 30th

 The stock in Barton were this morning in three distinct groups . The nine cattle all lying down looking very comfortable in the north east corner of the long grass area . They all seem fine . The lambs were spread out across the short grass just to the north of the long grass . Again all fine apart from the old ewe who continues to limp albeit not very noticeably.  All others grazing and moving fine . The 11 shetlands were at the other end of the field spread out across the top of the north facing slope in the long grass . All grazing and moving fine apart from one who continues to limp albeit not so pronounced as the other day . The trough is fine and water supply working ok. Four roe deer seen . 

Julian bevis 

WEdnesday 29th December

 The cows were all the top of the big field, while the sheep were spread out in several groups, making it hard to count. The Shetlands were all together and a few of the others eventually joined them.All very busy grazing, a couple of limpers as previously reported, but no concerns.

Tuesday 28th December

 Initially both sheep and cattle were at the northern end of the field but after doing a very swift circuit of that part of the field the cattle Went off into the long grass area and started grazing down the median fence towards the trough . They were closely accompanied by the lambs . The Shetland’s though stayed aloof preferring to remain on the short grass up near the northern boundary fence . In contrast to recent reports the two groups of sheep today were staying very much apart from each other . All of them looked fine apart from the old ewe who remains lame . Not as pronounced as previously but her off fore remains sore . Also one of the Shetlands has a sore off fore and in consequence is limping noticeably. All of them grazing fine despite a rather windswept day. All 61 accounted for although it took sone time as the cattle kept marching through them and stirring them up. the 9 cattle themselves all look very energetic grazing around the northern part of the field at a great rate of knots . One which I think is 002, although cannot confirm as she wouldn’t let me get close, has a rather mucky rear compared to the others . Their trough is working ok . Saw six roe deer .,

Julian bevis 

Mon 27th December

 61 sheep and 9 cattle counted, all mixing together including the Shetlands (now seem to be integrated). They are all congregating in the North East corner of the field which seems to be a favourite spot for some reason.

Sun 26 Dec

 All 61x sheep and 9x cattle counted. All seem fine - no concerns. Cow #132 helped count the sheep. All were up together at the northern end of the large enclosure.

Trough is working.

A pair of fieldfare were working their way along the centre hedge as I left.

Saturday update

 Decided to do my Christmas walk near Barton so i could assess the fence.

There was still 6kV showing on the electric fence reader but the cows had knocked the line off as they aren't happy chappys and I think the gloomy week has meant the solar panel has not kept the battery charged, so I have reeled in the last remaining wires and now all livestock have access to the entire large field only.

Thanks,

Bea