Saturday 23rd August - All 25 seen

At 09.25 this morning, steers 30, 35, 217, 227, and 1626 were happily grazing among the bracken in the pasture near ///tame.playroom.duke. Although there were plenty of flies about, they didn’t seem too bothered as they made their way slowly southeast. Youngster 227 came over for a long neck and back scratch, rewarding me with gentle cuddles. All five steers looked happy, relaxed, and in good condition.

By 09.55, twelve of the Caesar's original herd had gathered among the trees at the Lookout, having climbed up from the thicket below a little earlier. Most gradually moved to the area beyond the path to lie down, rest, and chew their cud. Several came over to say hello and enjoyed plenty of strokes and rubs. Youngster 219 remained standing in the shade, enjoying an extra long back rub. Though still troubled by flies around his eyes, he was content for me to brush them away for some relief. Encouragingly, the small white spot in the corner of his left eye appears to be decreasing in size. Shortly before I left, just after 11:00, he went and lay down beside the others. A few were dozing in the sunshine, with youngster 228 stretching fully out on his side for a proper rest. All twelve were happy, comfortable, and looking well.

While I was spending time with youngster 219, I noticed youngsters 220 and 230 appear in the distance, having climbed the hill nearer the covered reservoir. Rather than joining the group at the Lookout, they wandered off to meet up with the first group of five steers. I caught up with them at 11:15 near ///relay.slot.liver, where they were grazing contentedly. Youngster 230 came straight over for a long shoulder and neck rub, while youngster 220 enjoyed plenty of fresh grass and heather with the others. Both looked happy and healthy.

Finally, at 11.50, I found the remaining six Sussex cattle resting among the trees near ///stoppage.annual.silly, close to the edge of the larger fishing lake on the Gelvert reserve. They were being bothered by flies but appreciated having them brushed from their faces. Cow 212 had tucked herself into the bracken a little further west, but was happy for me to sit beside her for a while. All six were calm, relaxed, and in good condition. I left them at 12:30, still resting peacefully and chewing their cud.

The cows were all good today.