Saturday 3rd May - All 25 seen

Cows 72 and 940, along with yearlings 270 and 271, were happily grazing in the pasture southwest of the Bourley Road car park, near ///slam.scores.headers, at 09:00 this morning. They were enjoying plenty of fresh grass and seemed very comfortable in the cooler conditions. All four looked happy, relaxed, and in good health.

At 09:20, youngster 220 was enjoying some quiet time away from the main group, grazing contentedly near ///posed.feels.play. He was absolutely fine and in good condition.

At 09:35, twelve members of the Caesar's original herd were spread out, grazing in the thicket near ///across.layers.drove at the Royal Pavilion end of the site. Most of the cattle were very friendly and took a break to come over to say hello and enjoy some strokes. Several enjoyed long neck and back scratches, which also helped keep the flies at bay. It was lovely to spend a bit of extra time with them today. By 10:15, youngster 220 had rejoined the group, making thirteen in total — all of them happy, relaxed, and looking well.

At 11:05, steer 33 and Sussex cattle 197, 210, 211, and 212, were enjoying plenty of fresh grass on Sandy Hill, near the pillbox. The Sussexes were especially friendly, coming over for greetings. Cow 211 was particularly affectionate, enjoying a long neck rub and rewarding me with cuddles and licks.  I noticed that older steer 33 had a minor graze on his front left ankle, though it didn’t seem to be causing him any problems. At one point, as he tried to nibble leaves from the thicket by the perimeter fence, his collar emitted an audible warning tone, and he quickly stepped back — the first time I’ve seen one of the collars activate. All five were happy, relaxed, and in good condition.

The remaining three Sussex cattle were grazing near ///rift.knees.sprayed, in the pasture north of James Bond Pond at 11:45. They slowly made their way southeast, emerging from the bushes by the pond, where cow 1396 stopped for a drink around noon. Steers 1626 and 1640 moved into the shade of the trees to the east, where they stopped and had a rest. All three were happy, relaxed, and looking well.

I returned to Sandy Hill just after 12:15, and found the earlier group of five relaxing on their favourite Sandy Hill corner. Cow 211 came over again for more neck and back rubs. Before long, she lay down right in front of me and was more than happy for me to continue to stroke her. I said my goodbyes at 12:40, leaving them all resting contentedly.

The cows were all good today.