Sunday 5th January - All 25 seen

At 10:00 this morning, steers 35, 217, 220, 222, 227, 228, and 230, along with cows 214 and 234, were grazing near ///exam.pens.hurls. Most of the group were sheltering from the heavy rain in the gorse bushes, but youngster 217 braved the elements to enjoy some heather. Despite being soaking wet, the cattle were friendly and came over to say hello. By the time I departed, the group had moved to graze in the heather near ///weeks.gifts.nerve. All were happy, relaxed, and looking well. Notably, the scratch on steer 35's front left leg was no longer visible.

At 10:40, a mixed group of eleven cattle were found grazing in a spread-out area. Sussex steers 197 and 1640 were munching in the gorse bushes near ///wing.tooth.refers, while cow 940 was further northeast in the thicket near ///fonts.tigers.barks. All were wisely sheltering from the rain under the trees and enjoying plenty of gorse and leaves. The group appeared happy, relaxed, and in good condition.

The remaining five Sussexes were spotted opposite the main entrance to Gelvert at 11:45. Cows 211 and 1396 were resting, partially sheltered by the gorse bushes, while steer 1626 grazed alongside them. Steer 210 and cow 212 were grazing deeper within the gorse. Cow 211 was her usual friendly self and came over to greet me. She enjoyed having the water brushed off her back and her coat ruffled to help it dry. Shortly after noon, all three cattle disappeared into the bushes to join the other two.

The cows were all good today, despite being very wet.