Highland Cows, photo by Greg Hitchcock
Livestock Checker Volunteers - February 2022 Update
Livestock Checking
We currently have 155 active volunteers carrying out daily livestock checks on up to 29 sites depending on the time of year. Sadly we still have a gap!
Do you live in the Medway area? Do you regularly visit Nature Reserves local to Gillingham, Borstal, Rainham, Burham and Detling?
We need people to carry out the livestock checker role for the Medway Towns area including Nashenden Down, Darland Banks, Queendown Warren, Wouldham Common, The Larches and Burham Down.
We need people who love walking and are happy being out in all weathers to keep an eye on a range of livestock once a week. Full training and support is given.
A day in this role
You will be assigned a specific day on the rota, subject to your availability, on which your check takes place. Checks must be carried out before noon so we have time to respond to any issues found and during daylight hours for your safety.
All sites are different both in size and variety of animals to seek out and find. The average is about 1 hour, not including travel time, but some sites or days will take a bit more time. You will need to be a bit flexible to fit these checks into your daily routines.
All our sites have a variety of wildlife to spot from hunting birds of prey to rare orchid species. Some livestock checking areas are not open to the general public so you never know what you may spot!
Shelagh Wright – Livestock Checker in Dover
As a volunteer livestock checker for KWT since 2016 there are occasions when you ask yourself “Why?” Such occasions being when battling through the elements, being challenged by the terrain and, of course, when the livestock prove to be wearing invisibility cloaks. On the other hand, I have the proof of the benefits for both my physical and mental well-being. As an identical twin we have offered ourselves for twin research for over a quarter of a century. Results of studies have shown that my twin is ageing ten years faster than I am with a major contributing factor being her sedentary indoor lifestyle in comparison to my active outdoor living. Of course, there are other factors at play but, in my considered opinion, if you want to live a healthier and happier life why not get involved in checking on the welfare of the KWT livestock.