The mystery of a missing cow at Petersham Meadows has been solved.

Earlier this year, the National Trust and Surrey Wildlife Trust introduced they would be introducing a herd of Belted Galloway Cattle in an environmentally friendly way to maintain the historic landscape.

But one eagle-eyed resident Tom Ilube noticed that one of the animals was missing and took it upon himself to go cow spotting.

Mr Ilube said: "My work colleagues suggest either there is one invisible cow or that I am the 18th cow and keep forgetting to count myself. Neither explanation is entirely satisfactory. Where is the missing cow? I think we should be told."

He added: "I think I’m a bit OCD. I read an article saying they were 18 cows. I was then shocked to see that there were only 17

"I’m not a particular fan of cows but I pass there everyday

“When I saw the cows my first instinct was to count them, and I continued to count them for 2 weeks until I was absolutely certain”

Here at Richmond and Twickenham Times we took it upon ourselves to investigate and Mr Ilube was right, there are only 17.

Ham House and Garden's head gardener Rosie Fyles was surprised anyone had noticed. She said: "We are delighted to see how observant the residents of Richmond are when it comes to the Belted Galloway cattle at Petersham Meadows.

“Sadly one cow was not able travel with the others this year due to ill health, so there are only 17 grazing at the moment. The 18th was prepared to come to Petersham, but instead remains in the direct care of Surrey Wildlife Trust near Wisley."

Petersham Meadow has been under the care of the National Trust since 2010 and is a key feature of the view from Richmond Hill, the only view in the country protected by an act of Parliament.

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