WALKERS are being warned about a herd of cows along a country path in Winchester.

The cows have become the newest residents on the Itchen Navigation.

Users of the footpath have been asked to “exercise caution and keep dogs on leads” amid the introduction of a herd of cows on the west bank of the Itchen Navigation.

Recently the landowners Winchester College were widely criticised after removing a pair of swans on the same stretch of water. The college said the swans were aggressive.

READ MORE: Winchester College and swans on the Itchen Navigation

The Itchen Way, a component of the ‘Mills and Meadows’ heritage trail, and part of the 155-mile long Pilgrim’s trail connecting Winchester and to St Michael in Normandy via Portsmouth, has recently seen the introduction of a herd of cows along a section of the path.

SEE ALSO: Plan to convert closed Winchester pub into six flats meets objections

Hampshire Chronicle: Cows on the Itchen path

The pasture zone runs on the west bank adjacent to the Kingsgate Tennis Club until Garnier Road. This is separated from the rest of the Itchen way footpath via wooden gates either side of the pasture zone, stopping the cows from escaping.

Signs have been erected on multiple wooden gates leading to the footpath by Winchester College, which owns the land, urging walkers to “exercise caution” as well and to “keep dogs on leads” to minimise confrontation with the herd.

The cow’s introduction will naturally keep pasture to a reasonable length for walkers as well as provide the herd with vast quantities of pasture for feeding.

Hampshire Chronicle: Cows on the Itchen path

 

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