Marking Day on 17th May 2025

The History of Marking Day 

Traditionally, Marking Day is the day when the cows are brought from the overwintering fields and sheds and released back onto the commons to roam and graze. This year, it's taking place on Saturday, 17 May.

​Historically, farmers would bring their cows to the pound at The Old Lodge on Minchinhampton Common to be 'marked' for identification before being released to roam freely. While the marking process now occurs elsewhere, the event continues to hold significance in the rural calendar.​

Celebrating Marking Day in 2025

The commons, encompassing over 700 acres of limestone grassland, are recognised for their national and European ecological importance. Grazing by cattle plays a crucial role in maintaining the biodiversity of these grasslands, preventing scrub encroachment and supporting habitats for rare species. The National Trust, which has managed Minchinhampton Common since 1913 and Rodborough Common since 1937, collaborates with local organizations to preserve the landscape's ecology and archaeology.​ 

We are pleased to be celebrating Marking Day this year between 11:00am - 3:00pm at The Old Lodge, Minchinhampton. Everyone welcome.

What's Happening This Year?

During Marking Day in 2025, the National Trust is putting together a range of engaging activities to celebrate and raise awareness of conservation efforts on the Commons. We will be leading guided tours of the area, focusing on the management techniques used to maintain this valuable landscape, as well as the diverse wildlife it supports. These tours will offer visitors a deeper understanding of the delicate balance involved in managing grasslands and the importance of traditional methods like conservation grazing.

For younger visitors, there will be plenty of hands-on fun with themed activities, including a kids’ cow spotter sheet and wildlife spotter sheet designed for exploration and observing nature. Creative crafts such as origami cows and butterflies will also be available, helping to spark curiosity and connect children with the day’s themes in a playful and memorable way. To tie it all together, there will be displays about the benefits of grazing grassland with cattle, with information about a variety of wildlife species. Visitors will learn how well-managed grazing helps to maintain the open, flower-rich habitats that these butterflies—and many other species—depend on.

We look forward to seeing many members of our community on The Commons on 17 May, and for more information, follow @NTCotswolds on Facebook and Instagram for event updates.