Thursday 10th April - All 25 seen

Steers 20, 35, 217, 220, 222, 230, and 270 were happily grazing on leaves in the shade beneath the trees near ///whizzing.puff.span at 14:00 this afternoon. Youngsters 222 and 230 were particularly friendly, taking a break to come over, say hello, and enjoy some strokes. Sussex steer 197 was grazing a little further west near ///comedy.rival.cone at 14:25. All eight were happy, relaxed, and looking well.

At 14:30, the other eleven original members of the Caesar's herd, along with Sussex steer 1640, were resting on the grassy islands by the water tower. Most were lying down, either chewing their cud or dozing peacefully. Older steer 21 soon got up to graze in the wooded area to the south. Youngster 228 was particularly relaxed, stretched out on his side having a snooze in the warm sunshine. By 14:45, the initial group of eight had joined them and soon settled in to rest.

The cattle were very friendly and when they got up for a stretch, many came over to say hello and enjoy long neck and back rubs. Cow 214 especially enjoyed a long back rub, wriggling around to make sure I reached all her itchy spots and shedding large patches of her winter coat. Youngster 219 also came over, loving a neck and chin rub before lying back down, happy to keep receiving strokes.

Shortly before 16:00, most of the cattle began to get up and move into the wooded area to the south to graze. Gradually, they made their way west along the front of the water tower, where older steer 21 was already happily grazing. Steers 35, 217, 220, 222, and 230 remained lying down on their grassy island, soaking up the sun. It was great spending some extra time with them this afternoon.

At 16:20, the remaining five Sussex cattle were grazing in the thicket on the slope near ///loaf.firmer.notch. One by one, they emerged and wandered down to the path to greet me. Cow 211 was especially affectionate, enjoying a long neck rub before treating me to a few head rubs and licks in return. After a while, they began grazing along both sides of the path, happily munching on leaves from the bushes. All five were happy and healthy. I said my goodbyes at 17:15 as they continued grazing near the hill that leads up to the Lookout.

The cows were all good today.