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Author
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Topic: Chillingham
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Peter
Member
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posted 03-26-2001 01:38 PM
  
Far to often we look at castles as singular object, and not part of a whole.
It has not occured to me how much the Foot & Mouth epidemic here in the U.K. can affect many items. Yes ! I know about tourism, race meetings etc.
But a cutting sent to me today made me realise we could lose other items of out heritage not even thought of.
Why Chillingahm ?
Because here we have a rare breed of cattle the has perhaps roamed wild here for 700 years !
They do not tolerate human presence, and may total only 49 in number. These great animals still have a 'King Bull', and must be challenged by others males if they wish to lead the herd. The Chillinghams will only eat grass and meadow hay. A dangerous job feeding the them, as the white cattle are ever ready to attack interlopers.
Let's hope the unthinkable does not happen. |
wurdsmiff
unregistered
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posted 03-26-2001 02:03 PM
I remember trying to see the cattle at Chillingham many years ago. We saw them only at great distance, but they were impressive.
One of the oldest herds of the famous Galloway cattle were due for destruction today in the borders, apparently the same family have been rearing them since early in the 19thc. Another piece of heritage gone forever. The big fear in Scotland is that the Red Deer in the highlands become infected and they spread F&M all over the north, which is why so much of that area is currently out of bounds. They are opening up some areas with disinfection points, which may mean that access to castles in those areas will improve, however farmers themselves remain very suspicious of any intrusion on their land, so it pays to remain wary in an area where there are few fences or other boundary markers.
The cost may be even greater as a lack of tourist income will cause many small businesses to close, perhaps even a few privately owned and operated castles.------------------
Demeure par la verite
Visit my revised web-site at
www.castlesontheweb.com/members/wurdsmiff/castles.htm Gordon.
[This message has been edited by wurdsmiff (edited 03-26-2001).] | |
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