I headed for the cattle wanting to make the damaged electric fence safe to all mammals, priority being to Humans and Hereford Cattle. It was good butterfly morning, with over fifty Gatekeepers spotted. Two performed a circling flight dance eve in the shade. Six Marbled Whites and two Speckled Wood and at least one Meadow Brown were noted. Agrimony, Field Scabious, Greater Knapweed were initially passed. Entering South Field Self Heal, Centaury, Rest Harrow, Hops Vetch Quaking Oat Grass and Ox Eye Daisies were added to the list. The latter were not found in their namesake meadow, however, 2 sections of volunteer rebuilt and completed walls were admired.
A Skylark was seen and heard whilst Tufted Vetch (& Old Mans Beard) bloomed above head height thanks to the scaffolding of Bramble and Blackthorn. In a dry “soggy Sycamore corner, rustling leaves made me aware of a breeze. Entering Field 10 on cowpat indicated recent cattle ingress, but still much long grass.
So, I rebuilt the inactive electric fence to reduce the trip hazard. Later we will remove it. The cattle were penned into Field 6, but as they were huddled beside the rail gate into 3a, it took a while before I found them. Offshore the sea was calm; the view was clear to St. Alban’s Head coastguard cottages. Only a Wood Pigeon flew, undulating, over the coastal slope. One Six Spotted Ladybird was found upon a Spear Thistle flower. Dwarf Thistle flowers were found at ground level, of course! Dry seed cases hung upon Hay Rattle stems. Dog Rose showed Rosehips, even Sloes were out against the lea of a wall. Stinging Nettle dangled brown flowers, whilst Ragwort flowers were visited by insects.
Most of the meadow paths were still open, suggesting one “hay cut” was more efficient than many mowings. However, our “rake up” volunteers might disagree….