Commoners' cows grazing on the new growth

The cloud cover was dark and heavy between the showers. The cows seem to be unperturbed. Recently they were released back onto Minchinhampton Common to spend their summer fattening, and in the process they'll be maintaining the traditional limestone grassland under the ownership of the National Trust. 

There seem to be smaller numbers of cattle so far this year, and I've seen no highland cattle or Galloways. Each Commoner owns different sized herds, and they need to overwinter them off the common, so perhaps there is less space available in the neighbouring valleys.

Alfie, the renowned local donkey, usually wanders the commons with five horses, but I've heard that they now number seven. It is thought that Alfie rules the roost with these horses. I'll have to look for them and see how they are managing.