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.

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.