Marking Day on 18 May 2024

Longhorn calf at Shugborough Estate, Staffordshire — Tagged longhorn calf | © National Trust Images/David Goacher

Spring has always been an important time for the graziers, and there's one day of the season in particular that holds more importance than most others – Marking Day. In 2024 Marking Day is taking place on Saturday, 18 May. Join us for a free event to celebrate this special day.

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, 18 May

From as far back as anyone can remember, livestock owners would gather with their animals beside The Old Lodge on Minchinhampton Common where each cow would be tagged – or marked – for identification before being released. It's no surprise that this day became known locally as Marking Day.

Celebrating Marking Day in 2024

This year we will again celebrate at the Old Lodge pub in Minchinhampton, on 18 May from 11am to 3pm. There will be something for all ages, including a range of children’s crafts, a display about the history of the Commons, and experts on hand all day to answer your questions, supported by the National Trust in collaboration with our partners at Stroud Valleys Project and Butterfly Conservation. The whole events is free.

Walks will take place during the day to learn about nature, history and the tradition of Commoning. We will also look for orchids and wildlife as we stroll. We are grateful to the Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons Advisory Committee for making sure that the tradition isn't forgotten.

We look forward to seeing many members of our community on The Commons on 18 May, and for more information, follow @NTCotswolds on Facebook and Instagram for event updates.