Cows return to Minchinhampton and Rodborough Common with Marking Day

Cows are due to return tomorrow to the Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons to graze after being kept in sheds and overwintering fields during the colder months.

Marking Day, which is always held on May 13, is the date on or after which graziers can release their cattle to roam the ancient common grasslands for the summer.

The day, which falls on a Saturday this year, takes its name from when the cows were brought from their home farms to a pound at the Old Lodge to be “marked” with identifying ear tags, or more historically with a branding iron, before they were freed.

The free roaming cattle are essential to keep the grasslands rich in nature.

The public is invited to join in the celebrations at the Old Lodge with a free event co-hosted by The National Trust, Stroud Valleys Project, and Butterfly Conservation.

Modern traffic across the unfenced commons has, however, caused some conflict with cattle in recent years. 

Motorists are warned to be aware that cattle will be back on the commons.

Cows on the common in last year's Marking Day event - photo by Simon Pizzey (Image: Simon Pizzey)

“We’ll be at the Old Lodge in Minchinhampton between 11am and 3pm for a range of activities for people of all ages,” says SVP’s Sharon Gardham.

 “Youngsters – and the young at heart – can join us making origami Duke of Burgundy and Chalkhill Blue butterflies and Skylark kites. We’re also running a Guess the Species game.”

Throughout the event there will also be guided walks to learn about wildlife, archaeology and how the National Trust manages the commons for people and nature – and hopefully the chance to spot some orchids along the way.  

Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons comprise more than 700 acres of open space, and are recognised as of national and European importance for their limestone grassland. 

The National Trust has owned and maintained Minchinhampton Common since 1913 and Rodborough Common since 1937 and has an obligation to protect the landscape, ecology and archaeology of the area.