Epsom Common June 2013
Today, in oppressive heat, I walked my usual route around High Meadow on Epsom common. Amongst the shrub and oak trees I encountered five of the Holstein cows whose job it is to graze, and restore this area to 'lowland heath'. They accepted my presence: and, as I stood still they came closer to investigate. On previous visits I have seen them edge nearer to dogs being walked in their temporary summer home. These encounters end in wild barking and the owner calling their dogs away. I think at first the cows were checking to see if I had any animal with me. When they had decided I was OK, I moved to sit under a nearby oak.
This change in my height sparked great interest and they started to jostle each other for a better position from which to sniff and even lick my clothes and hands. Maybe I was a strange kind of dog. I could smell the silage on their breath and see my reflection in the dark orbit of their eyes. I stirred and this occasioned some backing off by the cows. Getting up slowly, I continued my walk and was immediately followed and then flanked by the five cows. they ambled and tossed their heads and I felt that they were guiding me around their complex of paths, scratching trees and resting places. Soon up ahead I could see the rest of the herd, and one of my accompanying animals made a noise I hadn't heard from them before. the five we were approaching looked up from their grazing and watched.
I felt at once invisible and part of the herd. The rest of the herd greeted their friends with much tossing of heads and I continued on my walk, feeling somewhat changed by the experience. walking transforms us in so many ways, today walking allowed me to get closer and become, for a time, part of a herd of cows.
