Saturday 27th June - All 25 seen

At 09:00 this morning, steers 33 and 217, along with cows 214, 234, and 940, were making their way down towards the cow shed from the Royal Pavilion end of the site. They all stopped to say hello and enjoy some strokes before heading over to the stream for a drink. They soon wandered back over for longer back scratches before going into the cow shed to rest.

By 09:20, they had been joined by steers 20, 30, 197, 220, 222, 227, 228, 230, 270, and 271, along with cow 72, who had gradually made their way down in ones and twos. Most took drinks from the stream before coming over to say hello and enjoy some strokes. The cattle were being bothered by the flies again today, with many having teary eyes and some dark streaks down their faces. Youngsters 228 and 230 were particularly affected, but both spent a good while with me, resting their heads against my legs as they enjoyed neck and shoulder rubs, which helped keep the flies away from their faces. They both appreciated having the flies regularly wiped away, and the teary streaks gently rubbed to help dry them. Youngster 222 was especially friendly, enjoying plenty of neck and back scratches and returning the affection with gentle head rubs.

By 09:50, I had just set off to check the final nine cattle when youngster 219 and the remaining six Sussex cattle appeared at the top of the hill to the northeast of the shed. They all stopped to greet me and have a quick check over before carrying on down to join the others. Older steers 21 and 35 made their way down the track further north, emerging near the cattle grid before wandering along to join the group.

The cattle split their time between standing in the shade of the cow shed, relaxing and chewing their cud, grazing in the pasture to the southeast, or coming over to spend time being fussed over. They were all content, relaxed, and in good condition, showing no obvious effects from the extreme heat over the past few days. They were all seen walking, grazing, and resting normally without any visible issues.

I said my goodbyes at 11:30, leaving steers 21, 33, 35, 219, 222, 227, 230, and 270, along with cow 214, resting under the trees northwest of the cowshed, on the far side of the wooden bridge. Six Sussex cattle and eight of the original herd were relaxing in the cow shed, while steers 20 and 1640 were off grazing in the pasture to the southwest by the fenced-off area near ///basics.jumps.share.

The cattle were all good today.

Photos to follow in a while.

Friday 26th June - All 25 seen

 Between 05:00 - 07:00

All seen in two areas not too far apart…

///january.surfacing.replied (just west of the Shell Station) 16 members of the original herd

///raven.career.crowds (near/alongside Beacon Hill Road) the Sussex’s 219 and 230

The cattle were being bothered by just about every fly in the area with 211 particularly suffering, she was the only one still laying down making her an easy target. She was constantly rubbing her head into the ground trying to get rid of the flies but to avail. Lots of the others were showing teary marks running down their faces with 228 being the worse.

By the time I was leaving many were seeking shade under the trees.

Apart from the teary eyes and a million flies the cattle were all good this morning.

Thursday 25th June - All 25 seen

Decided to give the cattle an extra check due to the very hot weather conditions.

At 18:40 this evening, the seven Sussex cattle, cows 214 and 234, along with steers 21, 33, and 219, were relaxing under the trees or on the grassy islands northeast of the water tower. Youngster 217 was peacefully grazing a little further north. There were many flies about, which were particularly affecting their eyes, causing them to water and, in some cases, leaving dark tear streaks down their faces. They were all very friendly and happy to receive plenty of strokes as I made my way around checking on them. After a short while, youngster 219 got up and wandered over to join me in the shade of the trees, where he thoroughly enjoyed a long neck and back scratch.

The cattle gradually got to their feet and stretched their legs before wandering off to join youngster 217. They slowly made their way north towards the large pool of water near ///jeeps.cars.movements, where they all stopped for a refreshing drink. They would take breaks from grazing to come over for more strokes and seemed to appreciate having the flies brushed away from their eyes and shoulders. Afterwards, the group continued grazing, with several enjoying the plants growing through the surface of the water in the pool further to the north. Despite the heat, the cattle all appeared comfortable and continued moving around without any signs of heat stress. All thirteen were relaxed and looking well.

At 19:15, the remaining twelve members of the Caesar’s original herd were spread out grazing in the pasture near ///grips.visions.clef, to the northwest of the first group. There was a gentle breeze, which made the conditions more comfortable for them as they enjoyed their late dinner. The cattle were all very friendly, wandering over to greet me as I approached and happily accepting plenty of strokes and scratches. After a short while, they were joined by the first group of thirteen. Most of the herd then drifted onto the path to the west, before continuing towards the entrance to the Gelvert reserve and turning left to graze along the sides of the main path towards Beacon Hill Road. This group was also being bothered by flies, but they did not appear overly concerned. They all remained comfortable, calm, and in good condition.

By 19:50, steers 21, 30, 33, 222, 227, and 271, along with cows 72, 214, and 234, had started to gather near ///sonic.kicks.skunks, where they alternated between grazing and resting in the cooler conditions. Youngster 227 was especially friendly, thoroughly enjoying a long back scratch while he relaxed and chewed his cud. Several of the others were still grazing along the sides of the path to the north and were slowly making their way over to join the group. I said my goodbyes at 20:25, leaving them all grazing peacefully.

The cows were all good today.

Wednesday 24th - Staff Check

 Found all 25 in and around the cow shed. The "bleeding" under 228's eye is just a watery eye, due to being bothered by flies. Definitely important to look out for eye issues, especially as there are so many flies about

Wednesday 24th June - injury under 228’s eye

 While out for a walk this morning I found most of cows in the cow shed. I noticed that 228 has an injury under his left eye. It looks quite new given the colour of the blood. I have spoken to Chris and sent him a picture (apologies for rather abrupt message, a result of not having my glasses on and being no good using WhatsApp)

Tuesday 23rd June - All 25 seen

At 17:10 this afternoon, all eighteen members of the Caesar’s original herd were spread out grazing in the sunshine at the foot of Sandy Hill, near ///quack.raft.ruffling. Despite the intense heat, the cattle were still grazing comfortably and moving around without any signs of stress. There were a large number of flies about, which were particularly affecting their eyes, causing them to water and, in some cases, leaving dark tear streaks down their faces. The cattle were regularly wiping their faces in the bracken to try to get some respite. Despite this, they were all very friendly, wandering over to say hello, with most enjoying strokes — even if only to clean their faces. Cows 72 and 940, along with steers 219, 222, 227, and 228, all enjoyed long neck and back scratches while resting in the shade.

After a good while, the cattle started to drift into the pasture across the path to the north, continuing to graze contentedly. By 18.20, cows 214 and 234, along with steers 220, 230, 270, and 271, had gathered under the trees to the west of Horse Pond to rest and chew their cud. The shade helped, but the air beneath the trees was still and muggy, providing only limited relief from the heat. There were fewer flies there, though, which was a welcome improvement. All eighteen cattle were relaxed, content, and looking well.

At 18:40, six of the Sussex cattle were gathered in the shade near ///kilts.duplicity.dolls, towards the easterly end of the pasture northeast of Horse Pond, while Sussex steer 1626 was out in the pasture grazing. Cow 1396 and steer 1640 were lying down in the bracken, but were being bothered by a huge number of flies, while the others stood nearby. Before long, they all got up and wandered out into the pasture to join steer 1626. They, too, were very friendly, coming over to spend some time with me, with cows 211 and 212, particularly enjoying back scratches while continuing to graze. All seven were calm, relaxed, and in good condition.

As I was leaving, the group of six who had been resting under the trees had moved out into the pasture north of Horse Pond, where they were enjoying fresh grass and heather. Youngster 228 was standing on the path relaxing and chewing his cud, while steer 217 was resting among the trees. I said my goodbyes at 19:15, leaving them all peaceful and content.

The cows were all good today.

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.