Saturday 12th July - All 25 seen

At 08:20 this morning, eight of the Caesar's original herd were resting comfortably in the cow shed. Nearby, steers 33, 35, and 219 were grazing in the thicket to the southeast. When their collars prevented them from moving any further east, they made their way back to the cow shed. Cow 234 was grazing alone to the south but returned to the shed by 08:55. It was pleasantly cool in the shed, and the cattle were happy with me moving around to check on them. Several wandered out to the front for some fresh air and to say hello. Cow 940 seemed a little more affected by heat than the others — she appeared a bit lethargic, coming out briefly before lying back down in the shed. Hopefully, with cooler weather due in the coming days, she’ll feel more comfortable soon.

Steers 21, 222, and 270, were grazing in the pasture near ///weeds.fades.reply at 09.20. They were being pestered by swarms of flies, though the bracken offered them a little relief. Youngster 222 was particularly friendly, coming over to say hello and standing close, seemingly using me as extra fly cover.

Youngster 230 had wandered off alone and was standing peacefully by the path north of Horse Pond, near the herd's favourite trees. He'd found a cool, sheltered spot and was happily chewing his cud. By 09:50, older steer 21 arrived, stopped for a drink, and then went into the trees to rest. All four steers were relaxed, content, and in good condition.

At 10:30, cow 214 and steer 228 were found near ///hips.enrolling.twisty. Cow 214 was grazing in an area usually covered by large pools of water, now completely dried up by the warm weather. Steer 228 was resting in the sun before eventually moving into the thicket to lie down. Both were happy, relaxed, and looking well.

At 10:50, the seven Sussex cattle were together near ///tasty.inform.snowy, by the woodland alongside Beacon Hill Road. They were all grazing at first, but cow 211 soon came over for strokes and rubs, offering friendly head rubs and licks in return. After a while, she settled in the shade beneath the trees to relax and chew her cud. The others tried several times to follow her, but their collars restricted them, preventing them from getting to the shade. After a few unsuccessful attempts, they gave up and carried on grazing, gradually moving southeast. Cow 211 later got up and rejoined them. All seven were content and in good condition.

As I was leaving, cow 214 and steer 228 had moved to the shade by the trees near the water tower at ///overt.fight.puff. Steer 228 was lying down, peacefully chewing his cud, while cow 214 used a large branch to have a satisfying back scratch before settling down beside him.

The cows were all good today.