Sunday 15th February - All 25 seen

Shortly after 09:00 this morning, the group of six Sussex cattle were sheltering from heavy rain under the trees near ///inserting.blog.lost, approximately 400 metres northeast of James Bond Pond. They were peacefully foraging for acorns and browsing gorse. Despite being soaking wet, they were all very friendly, each coming over to greet me and enjoy plenty of strokes and rubs. It was great to see that they had returned to Caesar’s and were happy, relaxed, and in good condition.

By 10:20, the remaining nineteen cattle were spread out under the trees northeast of the water tower near ///parked.station.liner, also sheltering from the rain. Cow 234 was resting alone under the trees to the northwest, on the opposite side of the track, while youngster 230 had wandered slightly further northeast of the main group and was relaxing and chewing his cud. Most of the herd were resting, while a handful grazed contentedly among the gorse bushes.

They were all very friendly as I made my way around checking on them, with most happy to receive plenty of strokes. They also seemed to appreciate having the rainwater and loose gorse brushed from their backs and sides. After yesterday’s lovely weather, the cattle looked decidedly unimpressed by the return of the rain. Even so, they were all content, relaxed, and looking well.

As I said my goodbyes just after 11:30, the rain eased slightly and the cattle began to move north, staying close to the tree line and grazing as they went.

The cows were all good today.

Saturday 14th February - All 25 seen

At 09:00 this morning, cows 72, 214, and 234, along with youngsters 220 and 222, were resting peacefully in the sunshine south of James Bond Pond, near ///hunk.hears.brick. They were all very friendly, taking turns to say hello and enjoy plenty of strokes and rubs. All five were happy, relaxed, and in good condition.

By 09:55, cow 940, together with steers 219, 228, and 1626, were grazing along the path north of James Bond Pond. Cow 940 wandered west along the southern edge of the path, then turned around at the end and made her way back along the northern side. Youngster 219’s ear looked clean and continues to heal steadily.

The remaining ten members of the original Caesar’s herd were in the pasture to the north. Most were spread out, resting and chewing their cud in the sunshine, while a few continued grazing. Many enjoyed strokes as I made my way around checking on them. After a while, the group of four crossed the bank to join the main herd. I said my goodbyes at 11:25, leaving them resting peacefully. They were all happy, relaxed, and looking well.

At 11:30, I found the six Sussex cattle near ///dusted.parent.studs, just north of the fence line. They were lying in the heather, relaxing and chewing their cud. All were happy to be approached and thoroughly enjoyed neck and back scratches while resting. Steer 197 and cow 212 both stood up to ensure I didn’t miss any itchy spots. Cow 211 was especially affectionate, offering licks and gentle head rubs while enjoying an extended neck and head scratch. It was lovely to see them and spend a quiet hour in their company. Aside from some additional hair loss, they were all happy, content, and looking well.

Shortly after 12:40, I returned to the main group, who had been joined by the five cattle that had been south of the pond earlier. Most were lying down together in a large huddle, resting and chewing their cud, while a couple remained standing at the edge. Several of the older steers, along with youngster 217, were slightly further east, resting in a smaller group of their own. I said my final goodbyes just after 13:00, leaving them all calm and settled.

The cows were all good today.

210 found

Returned to site, found 210 where all the others were earlier near to wherr we set up crush etc in Gelvert. 

He is with 1640. So all 25 seen today! 

15.26 

Zoe 

Friday 13th - Hunt for the missing Sussex's! 24 seen, 210 Still at large!

Hi All, onsite this morning to track down the missing Sussex's! 

10.00am 

They were practically stood by the gate as I came onto site! (Gelvert side) Nice to meet Graham too . 

1640 - hooves are quite long

1396 - SUS

212 - SUS

211 -SUS no collar 

197 - SUS

Graham had seen 19 cows earlier in the morning. 

This means 24 have been seen and 210 SUS still to be seen. 

I had to cut our chat short (sorry Graham!) As I was meeting Landmarc to collect 3 no fence collars. 

11.31 

On the hunt for 210! I circled back round and caught up with the five from earlier. Still only 5. 

11.51 

19 found all sleeping together near the sand bar as Graham saw earlier. 

So thats 24 seen today and 5 out of 6 sussexs 

210 still needs to be seen, last seen 8th Feb

Have spoken to Ned, we are going to try and rally a few people to search again this afternoon. Will keep you posted 

Zoe 

Friday 13th - 24 seen

 Between 08:30 - 10:45

19 have been found just west of the sandy bowl near ///snow.fits.escape. All were busy eating gorse with some still searching for acorns. Whilst I could see 219 he was too far into the gorse to get a good look at his ear. Sussex 1626 had become separated from the main group. I managed to get him to follow me back to the rest of the group. When I left most of them were heading in the direction of the horse pond.

I decided to drive along the Bourley Road in the hope of seeing the missing 6 Sussex’s. Then up Beacon Hill Road where I managed to catch site of one of them. Zoe was also there. We saw 5 of the 6 with only 210 still to be seen. The white truck is like a magnet as 4 came running towards it.

It was lovely to meet Zoe this morning having previously spoken a couple of times on the phone.

All the cattle were good this morning.