Villager Jim's Highland Cows

By Villager Jim

A delightful photo-filled celebration of this uniquely charismatic Scottish cattle breed.
 
One of Britain’s most popular farm animals, these long-horned, curly-coated cows are among the many subjects featured in Villager Jim’s daily online photographic adventures, which have gained numerous followers. Jim, who’s earned an Editor’s Choice in the British Wildlife Photography Awards, wanders among the herds throughout the seasons, taking shots from many different angles as they graze on moorland, heathland, woodland copses, and lush green farmland.
 
Getting close to one to photograph is a respectful journey; although they are normally very peaceful animals, Jim is always mindful to stay within their field of view and not invade their space too much. Many of Jim’s shots have a comic element to them, with the cows’ fondness for constant nose cleaning and their serious but amusing expressions semi-hidden behind masses of tangled hair. The photos and captions in this colorful collection are a unique treat for anyone who loves animals.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Open Road Integrated Media
• Release date: Mar 30, 2018
• ISBN: 9781526706850

Book preview

www.penandswordbooks.com

Introduction

There is something quietly historic about Highland cattle, as though they were here long before us. They are my favourite farm animal and I am lucky enough to be able to photograph them on the moorlands surrounding my home in the Peak District National Park. For me, it is the gentle giant syndrome; they are great big woolly monsters with fierce horns, yet so docile – unless you get too close to their young ones! Their fantastic hairy coats and eyes hidden deep inside matted dreadlocks give them a mystical appearance.

Highlands wander slowly over whatever ground you give them, be it moorland, heathland, lush green farming fields or woodland copses. The moorlands can be a really tough place in winter, often very wild and windy. Highlands’ coats help keep them warm in atrocious conditions, but of course the flip side is that in the long hot summer days, they can get overheated. I often see them standing in the local rivers cooling their hooves, which must seem bloomin’ lovely to them in those very hot spells. They will stand for ages in the same place just letting the cooling moorland streams trickle by taking off the worst of the