Cattle grid improvement works in Ditton Meadows after clever cows escape

Work is under way on some of Cambridge’s cattle grids – after clever cows worked out how to bypass them.

Cambridgeshire County Council says the work in Ditton Meadows will take up to six weeks and will also improve pedestrian and cycling access.

Last year, the Cambridge Independent reported that cattle had worked out how to bypass the cattle grids on the meadows.

The narrow grids have pedestrian access to one side that is not fenced off, which allows the cattle to easily sidestep the bars.

The animals were then found wandering out of fields and towards the main road by walkers and joggers, who had to herd them back into their pasture.

A council spokesperson said: “Signed diversion routes will be in place and where possible the work will be carried out in phases to minimise disruption. We apologise for the inconvenience caused.

”The start of the works, expected to take place throughout early July, involves the closure of the cattle grid at Howards Lane to both cyclists and pedestrians.

If approaching from Abbey Chesterton bridge, users need to use the Chisholm Trail south. They can then turn left and follow the southern edge of the meadows to the Wadloes Road exit, then follow Howard Road.

The second stage of the works – due in late July – will involve the closure of the footbridge in the middle of Ditton Meadows.

Again, the bridge will be closed to pedestrians and cyclists. From Fen Ditton End, people will be instructed to use Howard Road to the Wadloes Road entrance then the path along the southern edge of Ditton Meadows to the Chisholm trail and right to the Abbey Chesterton bridge.

The cattle grid at Wadloes Road will be closed to cyclists and pedestrians for the duration of the works.

The council says access from the path along the southern edge of Ditton Meadows to Wadloes Road will be maintained at all times.

However, access straight on from the Wadloes Road entrance on the meadows will be closed. Diversion will be either via Howard Road towards Fen Ditton or via the Chisholm trail towards the Abbey Chesterton bridge.