Checking some of our Dexter cows after the snow from Storm Barra yesterday. As you can see it all disappeared by morning. Except at about 1050 feet which still had a good covering. This field is at 970 feet above sea level. Lots of grass here still but they always enjoy dry hay.
The ruined wall I’m stood on is called a bield which is an old Norse word meaning shelter. It is about 30 feet long and has a hook on the top of about 15 feet. It’s purpose is to shelter the livestock from the harsh winds which blow from those directions. It’s being rebuilt next year and the waller who re-build it anticipates it being over 10 ft high and 8 ft across. I’m taking the hay there, in the hope that, in time and with lots of repetition the Dexter’s will head there in bad weather for shelter and food.
Hard to comprehend how men 300-500 years ago could move those stones into a wall. Must have taken them years and years of work. All to protect the livestock from the elements when away from the farm steading.
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