Fence row not
resolved
[This
article appeared in the Richmond & Twickenham Times after Geri Silverstone & Alex Hicks [National Trust External
Affairs] visited the Petersham Meadows in early August 2012. Article
in black by Amy Dyduch & blog commentary in blue]
A
long-term solution is yet to be found regarding the electric fence on Petersham
Meadows, following a dog attack on a cow last year.
There
is currently an electric fence on the meadows, which is rotated every six weeks
to allow the cows to graze the entire area. One third of the meadows will not be grazed at all. This is
a particularly important area as it has the greatest volume of natural shade.
As this area is now un-grazed it is acting as a weed bank with seeds blowing
into the grazed section which over time will reduce the quality of the pasture.
Cows trying to find
shade in the barn
The
National Trust said that although there was a dog ban on the meadows, many
owners were still letting their pets off the lead. There is a limited dog ban as owners are
allowed to walk their dogs on the public footpath on a lead.
Signs on the meadows
This
was a concern for the National Trust as it follows an incident last year when a
cow was attacked by a dog. It was only at the insistence of the local Council that any
form of ban was introduced by the National Trust.
There
are signs around the meadows banning dogs and a group of nine volunteers
monitor the area to ensure dogs are not let off their leads. The eight volunteers
are only able to monitor for a fraction of the week and the herdsman’s hours were
reduce this year by the National Trust. By allowing the grass to reach to more than
one metre in some areas it is difficult for the volunteers to monitor dogs off
the lead. The workload for the volunteers and herdsman has increased with the
grazing restriction resulting in increased use of the barn by the herd. This is
often cleaned twice a day; previously the barn would remain clean for most of
the season. There is also extra work clearing thistles and other weeds.
Thistles pulled up by
corporate volunteers under National Trust supervision and then left to go to
seed.
Geri
Silverstone, from the National Trust, said: “Dogs on the meadows are an ongoing
concern. Nobody is happy with the current fencing arrangements, but while we
still have an issue with dogs on the meadows, it’s the safest short term
solution.” The
fence does not protect the cows from attack as dogs can pass under or jump over
with ease. The cows are then trapped and the owner is unable to reach their dog
to bring it under control as the electric fence prevents them. The National
Trust erected a fence between the public and the Petersham Herd to limit their
liability if a member of the public was knocked over by a cow. The National
Trust have not made any attempt to inform the public, particularly those
visiting the meadows for the first time, to behave responsibly around cattle
and respect that this is their home.
Ian
Brown, who looks after the cows, was unhappy about the fence as he believes it
could be potentially dangerous for the herd.
He
said: “I feel the cows should be left to graze the meadows naturally. If they
get chased by a dog and run away they may get caught up in the fence, which is
a form of torture. I think it’s totally wrong. The electric fence restricts the herd’s
movements leaving them more vulnerable if a dog attacks. To the cows the
electric fence is not a natural barrier and is ‘open’ on three sides. In
previous seasons the cows take charge of the meadows, grazing, resting,
sleeping, etc where they feel safe and moving away from potential danger. Not
being able to take responsibility for their own welfare has created great
stress in the herd.
Mr
Silverstone of the National Trust said they want to find a long-term solution
for Petersham Meadows, to ensure it is a safe place for all users. The meadows are
less safe in 2012 than in recent memory. The blog entry Health & SafetyRoulette is the most recent example.
Tractor
turning hay on the meadows
The
National Trust is holding a series of community workshops in September to work
with residents to find possible solutions to keeping the cows on the meadows. The local community
have attended two Public Meeting and 93% do not want the fence. The National
Trust thinks that the local community don’t understand what they are trying to
do. Whereas the local community want their meadow, their heritage and their relationship
with the herd restored.
A
large hedge could be grown around the meadows or cows could graze behind a
semi-circular fence. Or the National Trust could listen to the local community
In the words of a local resident
‘Petersham Meadows is a unique setting and
should not be treated in generic terms. It is not a zoo, but an interactive
environment for all to enjoy. To do this
[fence in the cows] is to not understand the special nature of the area and introducing
these foreign elements will always tip the scales in a delicately balanced
environment and will almost certainly introduce further problems, as I have
already experienced firsthand.
I am a member of the National Trust, but I do
not approve of the way they are handling Petersham Meadows and I am relieved
that they do not have a say over the running of the Royal Parks or we would
find ourselves with all the "dangerous" deer being corralled behind
electrified fences.’
