The Minchinhampton Commoners' horses

On the hilltops between Stroud's Five Valleys are various common lands. Between the Golden Valley formed by the River Frome and the Nailsworth stream are two adjacent and connected commons, Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons, both of which are owned by the National Trust. They maintain the commons as traditional Cotswold limestone grassland which requires constant grazing to inhibit encroachment by scrub.

Part of this land management has been achieved using animals which have traditionally grazed the land, those owned by local land owners' whose properties have ancient Commoners rights. One of the rights is to graze animals including cows and horses. Each spring in mid-May the cows return from their winter quarters and are released to wander for miles over the commons, even through the local village streets.

There are also four horses and a donkey which seem to be allowed to graze for a longer period of the year, the restrictions being imposed because of the damage they could cause in muddy conditions. I spotted the horses as I drove along the old Roman road across the common (there was a Roman camp there once upon a time).

I pulled off the road to park and walked back to where they were sheltering under this tree on this part of the common which is partially wooded.  The donkey's name is Alfie and anyone who uses the commons regularly for recreation seems to know his name. I must admit that the condition of his fur was rather poor. I hope he is ok. 'Everyone' says he is the boss of this group.

The other or fifth horse is standing in the background hidden by the other horses. They are always together.