Wednesday 18th March - All 25 seen

At 16:00 this afternoon, youngster 220 was grazing at the side of the path near ///shirt.cherubs.than, southwest of James Bond Pond. Steers 33, 35, and 227 were browsing leaves under the trees to the south. Youngster 227 was especially friendly, enjoying a long neck and back scratch. By the time I left the woodland, steer 30 had joined youngster 220, having previously been grazing in the sunken pasture to the northeast. All five were happy, relaxed, and looking well. At 16:25, steers 217 and 228, along with cow 234, were grazing in the sunshine near ///makeup.brisk.life, north of James Bond Pond. They gradually followed the track east, emerging through the gorse bushes into the pasture northeast of the pond. There, steers 20, 222, 230, 270, and 271, along with cows 72, 214, and 940, were grazing contentedly and enjoying plenty of heather. They were all very friendly, taking turns to come over, say hello, and enjoy strokes and rubs. Cow 940 relished a long neck rub, while youngsters 222 and 230 stood patiently waiting their turns. Both were very affectionate, offering gentle head rubs while enjoying long neck and back scratches. By 16:45, the cattle had moved northeast into the neighbouring pasture, where most continued grazing on the abundant heather. Cows 214 and 234 preferred the grass to the north of the path. I said my goodbyes shortly after 17:15, leaving them grazing in the sunshine near ///duties.ever.lazy. All eleven were happy and healthy. At 17:25, youngster 219 and five of the Sussex cattle were browsing gorse in the bushes near ///attic.bossy.ranks, south of James Bond Pond. Youngster 219 spotted me approaching and came out onto the path to greet me, keen for strokes. Steer 197 and cows 211 and 1396 soon followed, each greeting me before wandering off to the northwest, where steer 210 and cow 212 were nibbling gorse. The remaining two Sussex steers briefly appeared from the bushes to say hello before continuing to graze. By 17:40, I found steer 21 browsing leaves in the woodland to the southwest, appearing to enjoy some time alone. As I left him, I met Sussex steer 1640 heading to rejoin the others, who were now grazing in the heather near ///brew.span.directs. By 18:00, steers 21 and 1626 had joined the group. Youngster 219 came over again for more attention, thoroughly enjoying extended strokes and rubs. I said my final goodbyes at 18:30 as darkness fell. The cows were all good today.

Wed 18 March 26, (09.20 - 09.30) Saw Ten Cattle in P13

 I came across them while out mountain biking, (I'm a regular Hawley Common Looker), at the staggered crossroads in P13.

I don't know the cattle, but they all appeared to be fine.  They were initially heading west but turned on the track to the south.

 I counted them twice and made it ten and managed to get a photo of all of them.

Holiday date

 I am away next week in Swanage so unable to carry out looker duties on March 23rd and 27th

Monday 16th January - All 25 seen

 Between 08:10 - 11:15

All seen in 3 groups as follows

///assemble.paradise.happening (opposite the Shell garage) all 7 Sussex’s as well as 219,214,234,020 and 230.

///devalued.gain.ladders (just north of Horse pond) 220,228,033,222,030,271,072 and 940.

///apply.playroom.digestion (at the lookout) 035,270,217,227 and 021.

All the cattle were good this morning eating the gorse, especially the Sussex’s who couldn’t have got further into the gorse if they tried. 222 was his normal friendly self enjoying a long back and neck rub.

Sunday 15th March - All 25 seen

At 09:30 this morning, six of the Sussex cattle were found to the west of the mound in the pasture north of James Bond Pond. Steer 210 and cow 1396 were lying down and chewing their cud, while steers 197 and 1640, along with cow 212, were grazing nearby. Cow 211 was also grazing but wandered over to greet me, enjoying a long neck rub before lying down at my feet. To the east of the mound, steers 219 and 1626, along with cows 214 and 234, were enjoying plenty of heather. Youngster 219 was especially friendly and thoroughly enjoyed an extended back scratch. All ten were happy, relaxed, and looking well. At 10:30, older steers 20, 21, and 35 were found in the pasture northeast of the pond. They alternated between resting in the sunshine and grazing among the heather. Older steer 30 and youngster 230 were browsing gorse in the bushes further north. They were all friendly as I made my way around checking on them. By 10:55, steers 21 and 35 had lain down to rest and chew their cud. The other three boys would later make their way to join the first group. At 11:00, the final ten cattle were found spread out, resting in the heather southeast of the pond near ///dummy.trash.remit. Youngster 222 grew impatient with me spending time with steers 227 and 271 and got up and wandered over for his neck and back scratch. Cow 940 also got up for a long back rub before lying back down. The others were happy to be approached and checked, with most enjoying scratches. Youngster 228 loved having his neck stroked while resting and eventually dozed off. All ten were happy, content, and in good condition. Mindful that the first group were lying in the area where the Sussex cattle had been injured a couple of weeks ago, I returned to check on them just after noon. All but Sussex steer 1626 were resting to the west of the mound. Steer 1626 was spending some time alone further to the northeast. Steers 20, 30, and 230 had joined the group. It had started to cloud over, and the wind had picked up, so the mound provided some shelter. By 12:30, five of the Sussex cattle had got up and drifted northwest to browse gorse. I spent most of my time with youngster 219, who was happy to receive endless strokes, at one point even rolling onto his side to have his belly scratched. Everything was calm and peaceful today, with no unwelcome visitors. As I was leaving at 13:00, the five Sussex cattle were grazing on both sides of the main path near ///routs.cheese.lovely. The remainder of the group had followed me as I walked away, rejoining them shortly afterwards. The cows were all good today.