A walk across Portholme meadow at this time of year is a special pleasure.
In autumn and winter this 260 acre Site of Special Scientific Interest is shared with livestock. However, they haven't quite grasped the meaning of sharing; the black cattle will gladly stand and face off any human who deigns to approach and it pays to give a wide birth.
Both my wife and I have had encounters. I was chased by a cow, who presumably was still protective of her calf, late in autumn. On that occasion I won that race and I had a steak for dinner so... you know.
In summer it is altogether a different affair. We share Portholme Meadow with our fellow humans and their dogs and a spectacular riot of wild flowers.
Today we did our bit to create a miniature version of this in our own garden, planting some wildflowers.
