all 25 seen at Camp 45 Staff check

Sunday 12th October - All 25 seen

At 10:15 this morning, the cattle were enjoying a lazy Sunday, with most lying down on the grass in front of the trees in the southeast corner, contentedly chewing their cud. The air was chilly, and their breath was visible as they rested in the field. A group of seven had chosen to settle under the shelter of the trees.

They were all very friendly, happily accepting strokes as I moved among them to check on them. After a while, several took turns getting up and wander over for long neck and back rubs. Youngster 230 especially loved his back and shoulder scratches, rocking gently from side to side to make sure I reached every itchy spot. Youngster 219 also enjoyed a good back rub, stretching out fully for a side scratch before dozing off.

By 12:15, steer 35 was up and about, munching on leaves from the trees to the west of where the group was lying. I said my goodbyes shortly after, leaving them all resting peacefully.

The cows were all good today.

Saturday 11th October - All 25 seen

At 10:15 this morning, the cattle were grazing contentedly, making the most of the long grass in the southeast corner of the site. They paused their grazing to come over and say hello, happily enjoying some strokes and rubs. Youngster 222 was especially friendly, standing by the path for an endless neck and shoulder rub, thanking me with gentle head nudges and plenty of licks.

About an hour later, the herd had settled down to rest, lying comfortably and chewing their cud. Most chose to lie out in the open on the grass near the southeast corner, while a group of eight preferred the cool shade beneath the trees. They remained calm and content, happy to be approached and enjoy more strokes as they rested. The sun even made a welcome appearance—though, unfortunately, it brought a few pesky flies with it.

It was lovely to spend some quiet time with the herd today. They were all happy, relaxed, and looking really well. I said my goodbyes shortly before 13:30, and as I left, several of the group got up and followed me down to the stream for a drink before beginning to graze among the bushes by Bourley Road.

The cows were all good today.

Friday 10th October - All 25 seen

The cattle were given the all-clear after completing the second part of their TB test today. They’ll remain in Camp 45 for a few more days, as there’s still plenty of good grass for them to enjoy. All the cows now have tracking collars fitted — it’ll be interesting to see how long those last 🤭!

After the test, the herd gathered near the trees in the southwest corner of the site, where they soon settled to relax and chew their cud. The cut on cow 72’s left rear leg is healing well, though the Grazing Team gave it a light spray with antiseptic as a precaution.

A little later, the herd set off grazing toward Bourley Road, making the most of the lush grass along the way. When they reached the far end, most stopped for a drink at the stream, patiently waiting their turn. After a short rest, they happily grazed their way back toward the southwest corner. The cattle were all very friendly, coming over at various points to say hello and enjoy plenty of strokes and rubs.

Once back in the corner, the herd began to settle again to rest and chew their cud. Most preferred the shelter of the trees, while a few of the older steers lay out on the grass in front. Cow 234 looked particularly comfortable, having made herself a bed in the bracken to the west. She had a few burrs on her head, which she was happy for me to remove. Yearlings 270 and 271 continued to enjoy the long grass nearby.

Youngsters 219, 222, and 230 were especially affectionate, coming over several times for long neck and back rubs.

The cows were all good today.

Thursday 9th October - All 25 seen

 It’s 14:27 my nofence does not show the trackers or virtual fence for Caesar’s and I’m not entirely sure where Camp 45 is so this will be an adventure as I set off soon 

🙃🤣😁

Found them Camp 45 is so pretty

16:30 They are all here grazing in the same direction West 

Wednesday 8th October - All 25 seen - Cow 72 has a cut on her rear left leg

At 16:20 this afternoon, the cattle were happily grazing in a clockwise loop around Camp 45. A few remained in the eastern pasture, while most were moving across to the western side of the site, thoroughly enjoying the plentiful grass. They were all very friendly, coming over to say hello and enjoy some strokes and rubs. Youngster 222 was especially affectionate, leaning in for a long neck rub before thanking me with gentle head rubs and licks.

As the herd moved back into the eastern pasture near Bourley Road, several stopped at the stream for a refreshing drink before returning to graze. Many wandered back over for more strokes, relaxing and chewing their cud while enjoying the attention.

I noticed that cow 72 had a cut on the back of her left rear leg. She was walking normally, putting her full weight on the leg, and continued grazing contentedly. She allowed me to clean the wound and showed no signs of discomfort. I informed Tom at HIWWT, who is on call this evening, and shared a photo for reference.

I said my goodbyes at 18:20, as it was starting to get dark, leaving the herd peacefully grazing.

With the exception of cow 72's leg injury, the cattle were all good today.