Monday 22nd June - All 25 seen

 Between 05:00 - 07:30

Early start this morning to avoid the heat!

All the cattle were good this morning in two locations 

22 were at the lookout, a few were still laying down, but the majority were up grazing on the grass. Quite a few enjoyed nice back rubs especially 222 and Sussex 211

030, 940 and 072 were near ///topped.bowls.heave which is down from the lookout towards the edge of the fenced off area.

When I left the lookout most of the cattle had made their way under the trees for some shade.

Sunday 21st June - All 25 seen

At 09:20 this morning, cows 214 and 234, along with steers 20, 21, 217, 219, 222, 227, 228, 270, and 271, were grazing west along Sandy Hill, just beyond the pillbox. Sussex cows 211, 212, and 1396, along with steers 197 and 210, were also with the group. It was already warm, and the cattle were making the most of the shade beneath the trees as they continued grazing. They were all very friendly, stopping to say hello and enjoy a few strokes as I checked on them. Many wandered over for head and neck rubs and appreciated having the flies gently wiped from around their eyes, while others preferred back scratches as they continued grazing. All sixteen were happy, relaxed, and looking well.

By 09:50, just as we were approaching the western end of the hill, cows 72 and 940, along with steers 30, 33, 1626, and 1640, came wandering along from the east and joined the group. They had all been down in the pasture south of Horse Pond when I first arrived. After reaching the end of the hill, the cattle gathered briefly before most moved into the shade of the woodland, gradually making their way north as they continued to graze. A handful continued along the main path, stopping to browse leaves and enjoy plenty of fresh grass along the way. Youngster 222 came over and enjoyed an extra-long back scratch while resting on one of the grassy islands.

By 10:20, the seven Sussex cattle had drifted away from the main group and settled beneath the trees near ///sound.universe.waltz to relax and chew their cud. The others continued on, making their way down the hill before stopping for a drink at the large pool near ///jeeps.cars.movements, north of the water tower. Afterwards, they wandered off to graze in the surrounding area, gradually making their way south in the sunshine.

Around 10:45, while watching youngster 222 paddling and eating the shoots growing on the surface of the water near where the group had stopped for drinks, I spotted youngster 230 wandering down the hill. He soon spotted me and came over to say hello and enjoy some attention. About five minutes later, I heard some mooing in the distance, and shortly afterwards steers 35 and 220 appeared, coming over to join us. After a short while, the group of three, accompanied by youngster 222 and steer 30, who had been grazing among the bushes, all set off to rejoin the main group. I said my goodbyes about fifteen minutes later, with the cattle beginning to settle beneath the trees near ///gong.axed.topping, close to the water tower.

The cows were all good today.

Saturday 20th June - All 25 seen

At 09:40 this morning, steers 21, 30, 217, 220, 228, 230, 270, and 271 were all lying down, relaxing and chewing their cud in the pasture northeast of Horse Pond. Although it was a bit cloudy and cooler today, there were still plenty of flies about, but the boys didn’t seem too bothered. They were all happy to be approached and enjoyed a few strokes as I made my way around checking on them. Several got to their feet for neck and back scratches, while youngster 228 rolled onto his side, clearly enjoying a relaxing belly rub. All eight were happy, relaxed, and looking well.

At 10:30, cows 72, 214, 234, and 940, along with steers 20, 33, 35, 219, 222, and 227, were gathered among the trees to the far west of Horse Pond near the path. Sussex steer 210 and cow 212 were also with the group, while steer 197 preferred some quiet time closer to the water’s edge to the east. Most were lying down, relaxing and chewing their cud, with a few dozing in the shade. Cow 940 was the first to get up and greet me, enjoying an extra‑long back scratch before several of the others took their turn. Youngster 222 was especially affectionate today, leaning in for some lovely cuddles after a satisfying neck scratch. British White cow 214 is still shedding the last of her winter coat, and she seemed to appreciate me brushing the loose hair from her back by hand. After a good while, steer 197 came and lay down beside the other two Sussexes. The group were all comfortable, relaxed, and in good condition despite the annoying flies. I said my goodbyes at noon, leaving them all resting peacefully.

At 12:15, the final four Sussex cattle — cows 211 and 1396, together with steers 1626 and 1640 — were at the far western end of Sandy Hill and had just set off grazing east along the sides of the path. All four were enthusiastically munching on the fresh grass but still took time to stop and come over to say hello. They all enjoyed some back scratches as they continued to graze contentedly. I said my goodbyes at 13:00, leaving them peacefully grazing and enjoying their lunch.

The cows were all good today.