Midland Longhorn Breeders Club Summer Visit
07 July 2007
Midland Longhorn Breeders held their summer outing on Saturday 7th July when some thirty Members and friends visited John and Joshua Brigg’s Gorse herd, last year's champion herd in the annual herd competition. We first viewed the cows and calves grazing at Lower Lea Farm, Wellesbourne as well as their Beef Shorthorn herd. After a buffet lunch at the Charlecote Pheasant we crossed the road and saw the Brigg’s youngstock grazing alongside the fallow deer and Jacob sheep in Charlecote Park. Howard Smith, National Trust, explained the importance of mixed grazing in maintaining and improving both the sward in this ancient park and the number and diversity of invertebrates. He also outlined the history of both the park and the Lucy family. Of particular interest were the heronry, kingfishers, fallow deer with their fawns and Jacob sheep that had been sent back from Portugal by George Lucy on his grand tour in 1756 – surely one of the oldest flocks still in their original home. The day ended with the opportunity to look round the Tudor mansion following Queen Elizabeth 1st She brought an entourage of 300 and the Lucys built a new wing for her even though she only stayed for three days!
Midland Club Members & Friends gather in Charlecote Park - Saturday 7th July 2007
Strolling amongst the Gorse Herd, Lower Lea Farm - Saturday 7th July 2007
Gorse Herd Stock Bull Underknoll Quest- Lower Lea Farm Saturday 7th July 2007
Gorse Herd cows and calves grazing - Lower Lea Farm Saturday 7th July 2007
The Beef Shorthorns - Saturday 7th July 2007