'Heartbreaking' cow deaths on Dorney Common sees farmers plead for action

The Charolais and Limousin cattle roaming freely across Dorney Common today are part of a farming tradition dating back centuries.

But, over recent years, that green oasis in the shadow of Windsor Castle has been the death of tens of cows and calves killed in crashes with speeding motorists.

A 60mph highway running straight through the common - an unavoidable obstacle for the livestock – sees animals die each year while trying to cross it.

Calls are growing for something to be done.

“I never thought I’d have to be seeing these sorts of injuries to my cattle,” Farmer Michelle Bosher, 56, told the Advertiser.

“I never thought I would have to deal with this sort of stuff - heartbeaking stuff.

“The noise of them crying when they’re lying there, it traumatises you.”

Dorney Parish records said 31 cows and calves have been killed in between 2009 and 2023.

Michelle’s husband, Paul, 56, and his family have tended cattle on the common since 1947.

They have more than 100 grazing between April and October this year who are at risk.

Their last death happened in late October, 2024.

Michelle said: “Just imagine you’re doing 60 miles an hour, the cows are grazing at the side of the road.

“These cows; they're unpredictable, they’re quite nimble and they can be quite fast.

“So, if they’re crossing, they hop up onto the road and you’re doing 60, what happens is they’re going to hit that cow full on.

“It’s going to roll onto the bonnet - crush the bonnet - smash the windscreen and roll back down.

She added: “It doesn’t usually kill the cow there and then.

“You can imagine the noise she’s making when she’s lying there so severely injured.”

When collisions do happen, Michelle said, drivers also look to blame the cattle.

“People are shocked when they’ve hit a cow and it’s damaged their car and written it off, it always writes their cars off,” she said.

Dorney Parish Council has long-called for a new speed limit to be introduced on the road.

Parish council chair Jill Dax called for a new 40mph speed limit in a letter to Buckinghamshire council leader Martin Tett in June, 2024.

Buckinghamshire Council has said it is investigating whether the speed limit should be lowered.

A spokesperson said: "We are aware of this issue, which is clearly concerning, and as a result we are actively monitoring speeds on Dorney Common with a view to establishing whether a reduced speed limit might be suitable in this location."

While authorites consider, Michelle continues to call for better signage and safety measures along the road.

And a fundraiser set up by a concerned resident has scooped more than £2,500 to buy Dorney Common cows reflective collars so drivers can spot them in the night.

Michelle said: “We’re really hopeful that will make a big difference.”

To view the reflective collar fundraiser, visit: tinyurl.com/4t9jkcf3