Saturday 31st May - All 25 seen - Steer 227 has a lump on the left side of his neck + the burnt-out car is gone.

At 09:35 this morning, steers 20 and 33 were grazing in the area west of Horse Pond. Nearby, the other sixteen members of the Caesar's original herd, along with Sussex steer 1626, were spread out across the slope of Sandy Hill, happily grazing in the warm sunshine.

While giving steer 227 a long neck and shoulder rub, I noticed a lump on the left side of his neck — likely the result of an insect bite. It didn’t seem to be causing him any discomfort, and he was perfectly happy for me to check it out. As a precaution, I’ve let Chris from HIWWT know, who happens to be in the area today, and will give him a check. I’ll also check on him again tomorrow.

By 10.30, several of the group had made their way up to their favourite Sandy Hill corner, where they carried on grazing before stopping for a rest. Gradually, more of the herd joined them. Steers 219 and 222 especially enjoyed long neck and back rubs. At 11:10, cows 72, 214, 234, and 940, along with steers 219, 220, 222, and 1626, set off east along the hill.

Around the same time, I heard mooing in the distance. Heading down to the bottom of Sandy Hill, I found Sussex steer 1640 making his way along the path from the west. He stopped to say hello and enjoy a few strokes before continuing on to join the eleven still grazing on the hill.

At 11:10, Sussex cows 212 and 1396 were happily grazing in the pasture northeast of James Bond Pond. Both came over for a hello and a few strokes. Meanwhile, steers 197 and 210, along with cow 211, were grazing deep in the bracken near ///pool.icon.essay. They enjoyed some back rubs while they munched.

By 11:50, the five Sussexes had gathered under the trees east of James Bond Pond, where they settled down to relax and chew their cud. Cow 211 was especially affectionate, coming over for a long neck and shoulder rub, rewarding me with head rubs and countless licks. When she’d had enough, she lay down contentedly at my feet. I said my goodbyes at 12:10, leaving them all resting peacefully.

I’m also pleased to report that the burnt-out car has been removed from the site.

The cows were all good today, with the only concern being steer 227’s lump, which we’ll continue to keep an eye on.