Will Highland Cattle continue to graze the field?

We doubt it.

We were told by the landscape architect at the public consultation in April that the field would probably have to be grazed by sheep.  The concept designs in the planning application refer to cattle or sheep in the field.

We question whether grazing cattle would be feasible:
  • There is a cattle grid shown at the only entrance to the field, via the courtyard.  Will cattle use the side gate?
  • There is a bull in the herd.  Will this be safe passing through the courtyard, which we have also been told will be a public right of way?
  • The cattle require daily feeding in winter and farm vehicles need regular access to move and re-fill the feeders and remove sick animals.  Is this to occur across the cobble and gravel of the farmstead courtyard?
  • How much of the remaining field will be damaged by the area required for winter feeding?

The Highland Cattle are a visual icon of the “Minch Orchard Project” and a touchstone for popular sentiment.

More importantly, they are a vital part of the delicate ecology of the field and their loss would damage the natural habitats of other species.
Picture
Highland cattle, winter feeding area in background
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