Wednesday 28th October - All 25 seen - Bowser empty, trough empty, but the stream is still flowing

At 15:15 this afternoon, steers 33, 35, 210, 217, 222, 228, 230, 270, and 1626, along with cows 212 and 940, were spread out grazing happily at the southern end of the eastern pasture. Youngster 227 was enjoying some time to himself in the nearby woodland, relaxing and chewing his cud. They were all very friendly as I made my way around checking on them, with most enjoying plenty of strokes and rubs. Youngster 222 was his usual affectionate self, greeting me with gentle head rubs before settling in for a lengthy neck and back scratch. Youngster 228 thoroughly enjoyed a long neck scratch before returning to his grazing. However, the highlight was cow 940 gently resting her head on my shoulder while I stroked the sides of her neck. She was looking really well today, and once we'd finished, she settled down to rest and chew her cud.

Steers 20, 21, 30, and 220, along with cows 72, 211, and 214, were browsing on leaves from the trees and bushes in the central area. They all emerged to say hello, with most enjoying some fuss. Older steer 21 thoroughly enjoyed a neck rub before positioning himself for a long back scratch. Youngster 220 had clearly been rubbing his head against a tree, as he was covered in mud.

The remaining six cattle — steers 197, 219, 271, and 1640, along with cows 234 and 1396 — were all grazing in the western pasture nearest the water troughs. They, too, were very friendly, taking turns to wander over to say hello and enjoy plenty of strokes and rubs. All twenty-five cattle were happy, relaxed, and looking well.

While on the western side of the site, I checked the water situation. The bowser was still empty, and the connected trough was now empty too. I watched as cattle continued to approach the trough looking for water, but there was none. Fortunately, the stream was still flowing, and several of the cattle crossed the pasture to get a drink.

While several cattle were drinking at the stream, I noticed that one of their collars sounded, causing the group to leave the area immediately. I gave Chris at HIWWT a call and asked whether he could extend the NoFence boundary in that part of the site to prevent this from happening.

Once the cattle had finished drinking and moved away, I took the opportunity to remove several large branches from the water. I also removed a brick that was emerging from the mud at the edge of the stream. It was right at the bottom of the track the cattle were using to reach the water, so removing it left them with one less obstacle to negotiate.

After spending some more time with the herd, I said my goodbyes at 17:15, by which time darkness had fallen. All twenty-five cattle were grazing in the eastern pasture, gradually making their way towards the woodland in the southeast corner.

The cattle were all good today.

Tuesday 27th October – All 25 seen – Bowser empty, trough just under half full, but the stream is still flowing

At midday, twenty-four of the cattle were peacefully resting and chewing their cud in the middle of the eastern pasture. Six of the Sussexes were in their own little group, with cow 212 bridging the gap between the two groups. Older steer 35 was grazing but lay down to rest by 12:15. Youngster 222 became impatient waiting for me to reach his group and decided to wander over to say hello and enjoy a lengthy neck and back scratch. The others were all happy to be approached and checked, with most enjoying plenty of fuss.

Cow 940 was looking well today, peacefully relaxing and chewing her cud with the rest of the herd. She enjoyed plenty of strokes while resting, but later got to her feet and wandered over for an ear rub before settling in for a long, relaxing back scratch. After we were done, she pooed and then settled back down to rest. It was wonderful to see her back to her old self and to spend some peaceful time together.

Several of the cattle got up at various points and wandered over to spend time with me. They all enjoyed lengthy shoulder and back scratches before lying back down in the sunshine. Steers 228 and 1640 both rolled over onto their sides to receive belly scratches. All twenty-five were happy, relaxed, and looking well.

Before leaving, I went over to check the trough. The bowser was now empty, and the connected trough was just under half full. I removed the leaves floating on the surface in case the cattle came over for a drink later. The stream was still flowing, providing plenty of additional drinking water.

I said my goodbyes at 13:45, leaving cows 72, 234, and 1396 grazing, with the rest of the herd relaxing, chewing their cud or having a snooze in the sunshine.

The cattle were all good today.

Monday 26th October - All 25 seen

 Between 07:30 - 09:30

As expected all have been seen this morning. When I arrived they were all making their way towards the Bourley Road end of the site where they were enjoying plenty of grass. Some were were picking leaves from the trees alongside the path.

The first to catch my eye was Brie, she was looking a lot better than yesterday, grazing on the grass and reaching up for leaves from the trees. I also observed her having a wee and poo! When the rain started she led the race to get back under the trees in the far corner. Ned and Sam then arrived which led to great interest when the herd saw the truck arrive and even more when Sam started to distribute nuts around. Ned decided it would be ok for Brie to remain on site.

I kept a lookout for 211’s missing collar but didn’t see it.

All the cattle were good this morning.