Sunday 4th May - All 25 seen

Cow 940, along with steers 35, 217, 219, 220, 222, 227, 228, 230, 270, 271, and 1626, were gathered near ///city.straddled.twigs by the path on Longbottom at 10:25 this morning. Youngster 230 had been grazing in the thicket, but soon came over to rest. The others were all lying down, relaxing, and chewing their cud in the cooler conditions. They all looked very comfortable, with several getting up to enjoy long back and neck rubs before settling back down. All twelve were happy, relaxed, and looking well.

At 10:55, the remaining six Sussex cattle, along with steers 20, 21, 30 and 33 and cows 72, 214, and 234, were spread out near ///allow.deranged.chew. The Sussexes were grazing contentedly, slowly making their way up Sandy Hill. Steer 1640 was especially enjoying the leaves from the silver birch trees. Cows 72 and 214 enjoyed long back rubs while standing and chewing their cud in the sunshine. A little later, cow 234 came over to say hello, giving me numerous sniffs, before standing close and chewing her cud. Meanwhile, older steers 20, 21, 30, and 33 were tucking into plenty of fresh grass in the pasture to the southeast.

By 11:45, most of the original herd had settled down to rest near where the girls had their back rubs earlier. Cow 212 had made it to the top of Sandy Hill, with the others close to joining her. All thirteen were happy, relaxed, and in good condition.

I was also pleased to see no sign of the graze on steer 33's front left ankle.

The cows were all good today.