West Fell : The Cattle

Cross bred cattle at West FellThe cattle which grazed West Fell were from neighbouring Burdonside. These cattle were continental breed crosses, rather than traditional, with the group comprising eight cows (Simmental, Galloway and Saler crosses) with six calves, one Simmental cross heifer and a Simmental bull. Although not strictly traditional, these cattle have been included in the Drovers Project as they provided a comparison with the Galloways, Blue Greys and Luing used elsewhere. The Drovers Agreement for West Fell was a three-way contract between Northumberland National Park Authority Drovers Project, the landowner, and the grazier.

Grazing to date:

West Fell was grazed for the 2004 season, with the cattle on site between early June and early September. The cattle were left on site longer than originally specified in the Drovers Agreement, with the grazing period being extended due to the lasting abundance of molinia. They then remained on site longer again due to issues relating to the six day standstill rule for livestock movement. This led to problems as two cows calved while on site, which in turn led to complications regarding stock management.