Sharing a snack of apples and basking in what could be the last of the good weather, the cows of Petersham Meadows and their friendly herdsman said goodbye for another year.
The current herd was set to move away from the summer grazing spot for the winter on Thursday, November 3, before returning again in warmer months.
Photographer Anne Purkiss took photos of the moving farewell in preparation for an exhibition at the Stables Gallery that she is taking part in next year.
She said: “Herdsman Ian Brown posed for pictures with the cows on what might be their last day ever on the Meadows.”
Debate about whether cows should be allowed to remain on the fields, a location where their ancestors have grazed for more than 200 years, has been raging since a shocking dog attack on Monday, May 2, where a cow’s throat was ripped open.
Safety concerns led to the council and National Trust deciding, in October, to announce they will ban dogs from accessing the meadows from April to November next year onward.
To sign a petition showing support for maintaining the cows visit change.org/petitions/ham-house-keep-the-current-herd-of-cows-on-petersham-meadows.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here