Highland cattle return to Taverham Mill nature reserve

The Highland Cattle at Taverham Mill have been causing quite a stir since their rise in popularity a few years ago.

The highland cattle have come back to lush meadows they can graze on (Image: Simon Hastings)

The cows were shipped to Alton Water in Suffolk over the winter months to a place that had better grazing as the Taverham Mill reserve, a 100-acre site maintained by Anglian Water, had become boggy.  

But upon their return, they’ve got a whole lot of work ahead of them to keep the grass clipped.  

The cows have particularly enjoyed the fresh willow leaves from the cracked willow along the riverbanks (Image: Simon Hastings)

Head ranger Harry Waye-Barker, who is tasked with looking after the eye-catching herd, said: “The meadows are lush and green with plentiful food for the Highlands.  

“They have a varied diet on our water meadows which gives them plenty of nutrition.” 

The cattle will be able to be seen at Taverham Mill right up to autumn (Image: Simon Hastings)

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But with recent hot weather – how are the cows with luscious locks keeping cool on their return? 

Harry added: “The cattle have plenty of areas to hide out of the sun.  

The highland cattle went away to Suffolk over the winter months (Image: Simon Hastings)

They can also stand in the fresh water we bring onto the drains within their meadow. 

“Often, they can be seen stood in full flow cooling off.” 

Harry Waye-Barker is tasked with caring for the unusual cattle (Image: Harry Waye-Barker)