Wednesday 8th January - All 25 seen

The cattle were still in the same two groups as yesterday.

At 09:45 this morning, the group of twenty were spread out along Sandy Hill. They ranged from cow 940 grazing near the pillbox to steer 227 and cow 234 eating from the bushes near the fence at the western end of the hill. Most of the cattle were munching in the gorse bushes, but gradually emerged to be checked. They were all friendly, approaching to say hello. After their checks, they returned to grazing, mostly eating frost-tipped grass or reaching over the perimeter fence to nibble on leaves from the bushes. All twenty were happy, relaxed, and in good condition.

The group of five Sussexes were grazing in the gorse bushes south of Horse Pond at 10:25. Steer 210 was deep in the bushes to the southeast, but soon came out to greet me. He seemed to enjoy having the loose gorse brushed off his back before wandering over to join the others. All five were happy, relaxed, and looking well.

The cattle didn't seem bothered by the colder weather. I also broke the ice on several puddles at both locations to ensure they had sufficient drinking water.

The cows were all good today.