An
interesting snap, Robin, but I am interested in the
_expression_ “cattle grid”. This, I take it, refers to the
structure beside the gate consisting of parallel timber
beams 30cm or so above the ground beside the normal gate.
This has been known in the past as “the horse crossing”,
which I had assumed was for the purpose of allowing the
horse and rider to pass through the fence without
dismounting. I believe, although at this stage I am not
absolutely confident of my memory, I have seen riders
picking their way across this, in the course of traversing
the advertised horse-riding route. Your raising of this
matter brings two questions to my mind. The first is the
proper name for the structure. It seems “horse crossing” is
not a term that enjoys wide currency. (In a vain search I
have come across “Horsegate”, being a current label in the
British media for the involvement of their Prime Minister in
a curious affair involving an ex-police horse.) My second
question concerns the purpose of the structure in a
strategic or overall management sense. Why not just a gap
in the fence, or, logic immediately compelling the further
question, why any fence at all? In any event I am unaware
of any relevant cattle, seeking egress from either side,
that might justify such a barrier, if that is what is
intended to be.
On a short walk in Campbell Park just
before 6pm, when a gaggle of magpies and currawongs pursued a
Wedge-tailed Eagle through the trees and it perched briefly on
a tree just in front of me (just 200 m in from the cattle
grid). After it flew off, I looked for prey on the ground but
could'nt find anything.
Robin Hide
