When pediatric nurse Chloe Lucas suffered a nervous breakdown during the pandemic, she found healing in an unexpected place – among a small herd of Highland cattle. The 38-year-old sister nurse from Basildon Hospital discovered that these gentle giants would become her pathway to recovery after experiencing what she describes as “the most horrific thing that I have ever been through in my life and my nursing career.” The Journey to Healing After being signed off work for three months, Lucas found solace in watching farming shows like Clarkson’s Farm and BBC’s Countryfile. What began as casual viewing evolved into a hands-on journey into agriculture. She volunteered across farms in Essex, Norfolk, Kent, and Devon, learning essential farming skills from tractor driving to animal husbandry, including helping deliver lambs and calves. Her Highland Heroes The transformation began when Lucas brought two Highland cattle from Norfolk to land in Maldon on the Essex coast. The herd has since grown to five distinctive personalities:
Isla Catriona Beatrix Dally Murphy
“They’re so relaxed and chilled out, they’ve all got their own personality,” Lucas says. “There is something about the Highland cows that is so magnificent, I just feel so privileged.” Shared Healing The therapeutic effect of the herd extends beyond Lucas herself. Her friend Laura Chimes, who lost her father two years ago, volunteers with the livestock and finds peace among the animals. “When I’ve done all the jobs, I’ll sit there and look at them, and I’ll think about my dad but in such a positive, happy way,” Chimes shares. “I’m at peace here.” A New Purpose Currently housed at The Hoppy Acre rabbit sanctuary in Wickford, the herd is set for an expanded role in the community. Basildon Council has agreed to allow the cattle to graze at two additional sites in Billericay – Hannakins and Norsey Meadow nature reserve – as part of a meadow restoration project in collaboration with Natural England. Environmental Impact The council sees multiple benefits in this arrangement:
Natural vegetation management mimicking natural processes Reduced reliance on machinery Lower carbon emissions Promotion of biodiversity Creation of a more resilient ecosystem
“This not only lowers our carbon emissions but also promotes a more diverse and resilient ecosystem,” explains a council spokesperson, who emphasized the project’s role in sustainable land management. Looking Forward As Lucas prepares to move her Highland herd to their new pastures in spring, she reflects on their impact on her life: “Honestly, they have saved me. This is my happy place, my little haven so, yeah, it’s been amazing.” Her story stands as a powerful testament to the healing potential of connecting with nature and finding purpose in unexpected places after trauma. From the intensive care units of the pandemic to the peaceful fields of Essex, Lucas has found not just recovery, but a new calling in life.
