As we move into winter on our upland farm, things will be different this year. Normally mornings and evenings are spent in the cow shed, forking up silage to the cows as they breathe their hot steamy breath over me. This year we have built up a herd of belted galloway cows, and the plan is that they will be outwintered in extensive allotments (something they’re suited to) without the need for additional feed.
This morning I set off early to see how the cows were doing in Westmorland Borrowdale. The 2022-born heifers are grazing here to maintain and restore the ancient wood pasture. The grazing has to be carefully managed to protect the ancient trees, and rare mosses and lichens on them. There are just seven cows in 135 acres. The idea is that that the cows will knock back the bracken in the allotment so it does not dominate, while also allowing natural regeneration from the existing trees. Some new trees have also been planted in woodland exclosures and tree cages.
