THE cows have finally come home to Worcester's Ronkswood Hill after the foot-and-mouth crisis kept them at bay.

The cattle would normally have been introduced to the nature reserve at an earlier date, but foot-and-mouth restrictions made it impossible to move them to their site

The 35 cows, a mixture of hand-reared breeds such as Hereford crosses, Angus and Belgium Blues, belong to Phillip Morgan of Fromes Hill.

They are now grazing the meadows at Ronkswood Hill Local Nature Reserve among an array of wildflowers such as black knapweed and cowslips.

But walkers are still being warned by Worcester City Council to abide by the foot-and-mouth code issued by DEFRA following the revised veterinary risk assessment.

- If visitors have handled cattle, sheep, goats or pigs in the last seven days they should stay off all farmland.

- The public should not go near and never touch, handle, or feed livestock.

- If they come across them unexpectedly they should move away slowly, and re-trace steps if necessary.

- Dogs should not be taken on cattle-occupied land, and waste, food and litter should not be discarded.

- Walkers should stick to the path and leave all gates as they are found.

- Disinfectant should be used where provided, and all walks and rides should be started with clean equipment, footwear and clothing.