Cattle have re-appeared at Lambley Reed Pond; walkers beware!
LAMBLEY’S Reed Pond nature reserve is once again home to a number of bullocks, to the chagrin of walkers and dog owners alike. Each year, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust deposits a small number of cattle in the field around the reed pond, primarily to act as bovine lawnmowers and keep the meadow areas from becoming overgrown.
However, the use of cattle in an area popular with families and children, as well as dog walkers, is not universally liked. This year the cattle seem to have arrived rather later than usual, being first spotted today (Tuesday 24 May 2011). Perhaps as a result of this late arrival, the bullocks are bigger and more boisterous than the younger animals normally introduced.
Many locals (myself included – Ed) find the presence of cattle rather menacing, and reports of people – especially with dogs – being chased by cattle are not unusual. Nationally, the keeping of cows and bulls in open fields with footpaths and public rights-of-way is controversial, and each year there are reports of people being trampled and killed in these circumstances.
The late arrival of the bullocks and the early spring of 2011 had combined to make the reed pond meadow exceptionally colourful this year, with masses of daisies, buttercups, cow parsley, and other wild flowers putting on an excellent display. No doubt the new arrivals will enjoy eating these, but dog walkers and parents in particular are warned to keep a wary eye open for the bullocks when using the public footpath through the reserve.
The Reed Pond meadow has given an exceptional display of wild flowers this year
I for one will not dare go to this beautiful bit of countryside , having been chased by cattle and horses in the past. Please inform us by way of this newsletter when the field is cattle free. Thank you
The picture of the reed pond on your site looks lovely, but the field is overgrown with thistles and more appear each year. You can hardly see the pond anymore because of the amount of reeds. There is hardly any water in the pond as the few ducks that are left can stand on the surface. I think at times the whole area looks a mess. Sometimes nature needs a helping hand and this is one place that needs more care and attention.
here here ann