Bonfire Night is always described rather optimistically by the staff of the Ranger Service as "interesting times."

It is important to keep a vigil for any would-be bonfires being built illegally out on the reserves.

While a bonfire may prove to be a good evening's fun for the group that lit it, the aftermath of litter and the resultant burnt patch will remain an eyesore out on the nature reserve for many months or even years to come.

Having been a Ranger for many years, I have worked quite a few bonfire nights attempting to try and deter fires being built on the reserves.

I have seen some truly stupendous incidents involving our youth and fireworks that almost beggar belief.

With this in mind, we try to ensure one of the Rangers is always at hand to keep an eye on the cattle of the grazing animals' project over this period.

I remember the first year we grazed the cattle on one of the more urban sites over this period. This was at Spennells Valley Nature Reserve.

It was the weekend before the night itself when we first started the evening vigils and, to be honest, not a lot happened. Although a few rockets went off in the distance other than that I had a cold, but otherwise pleasant night listening to and even watching the owls that live on this reserve.

Bonfire Night itself was very different though, as many of the properties around the cattle pens were having quite a show.

I was quite concerned for the cattle and set off through the bog to make sure all was well.

This in itself was an adventure as it is surprisingly hard to judge what is firm ground and what is so soft you end up sinking up to your knees.

I became really concerned when I could not find one of the cattle and started to search the bog in earnest.

After a few minutes, which felt more like hours, I found the cow lying motionless on its side.

By the light of red and green firework flashes and the resulting bangs and whizzes I approached the cow with my heart in my mouth. I thought it was dead. As I bent forward and touched it, it stirred.

Amazingly, it had been fast asleep despite the entire firework ruckus. Greatly relieved, I sat down beside the cow, fussed her head and fed her the best part of a packet of digestive biscuits before leaving her to her slumber.

It would seem that our cattle have become rather well adjusted to their urban living, but nevertheless the Rangers will be keeping up their vigil, just in case for the next few days.