Thursday 1st May - All 25 seen

Older steer 33 and cow 214 were relaxing and chewing their cud beside the wooden footbridge near the Bourley Road car park at 16:00 this afternoon. Cow 214 came over for a long back rub before making her way into the cow shed. Nearby, Sussex cow 1396 and steer 1640 were resting in the shade under the trees near ///wiping.pushy.unfit. Cow 212 was grazing in the bushes on the far side of a ditch, but wandered over to greet me as I approached. She seemed content to simply stand close, which helped keep the flies away. Further east, Sussex steer 210 was grazing alone in the thicket near ///drops.thus.venue. Despite the very warm conditions, all six were happy, relaxed, and in good health.

At 16:35, older steers 21, 30, and 35 were contentedly grazing in the pasture near ///legs.majoring.gently. In the pasture across the path to the northwest, youngsters 217, 220, 228, and 230, along with yearlings 270 and 271, were spread out grazing. Youngster 230 was especially friendly, coming straight over for a hello and a long back scratch. For a while, the sun went behind the clouds and a gentle breeze picked up, keeping them nice and cool as they grazed. The boys were all happy and healthy.

By 17:10, steers 219, 222, and 227 were resting near ///signs.podcast.vocal, while cow 234 enjoyed a good scratch against a nearby tree. They were all very friendly, enjoying plenty of strokes and rubs. All four were happy, relaxed, and in good condition.

At 17:30, cows 72 and 940 were peacefully grazing in the thicket along the path near ///boots.routs.much, with older steer 20 a little further north, enjoying the fresh grass. All three were happy and relaxed.

After spending some time with them, I went off searching for the three missing uncollared Sussex cattle. Following a big loop around James Bond Pond and the Lookout, I found myself back with the group of nine steers at 18:05. Most were lying down, chewing their cud in the pasture near ///moods.king.clapper, while steers 220 and 271 were still grazing nearby.

At 18:30, I ended up back with the first group, who were now grazing in the thicket at the Royal Pavilion end of the site. I was delighted to find the missing three: steers 197 and 1626, along with cow 211, happily grazing alongside the other four Sussex cattle. Nearby, steer 33 and cow 214 were also contentedly grazing.

The cows were all good today.