Saturday 2nd August - All 25 seen

At 09:40 this morning, steers 21, 35, and 217 were happily grazing in the thicket near ///custom.blown.fever, just south of Bourley Road. They were enjoying the long grass growing among the bracken, with the bushes helping to keep the flies off their faces. All three were content, relaxed, and looking well.

By 10:05, a mixed group of twelve cattle were well spread out across the pasture near ///bets.former.clubbing, south of the covered reservoir. Although the recent heavy rain had left the ground quite swampy, the cows navigated it with ease. Steers 20, 219, 227, and 230, cows 214 and 234, along with six of the Sussex cattle were all happily grazing. 

Most were very friendly, wandering over to say hello and enjoy some strokes and rubs, clearly appreciating having the flies brushed off their faces and backs. Youngster 227 was especially affectionate, enjoying an extended neck and back rub before lying down at my feet to rest and chew his cud.

Many of the cattle returned for second greetings, happy to receive more strokes or simply stand close, chewing their cud while I kept the flies at bay. I said my goodbyes at 11:05, with most still grazing peacefully, though a few had begun to lie down and relax. It was a real pleasure spending extra time with such a friendly group. All twelve were happy, relaxed, and in good condition.

By 11:10, the remaining ten cattle were grazing near ///straws.envoy.annoys, close to the Gelvert fence line. They were enjoying a mix of long grass and leaves from the surrounding trees and bushes. Youngster 222 came over for a long neck rub, then rewarded me with some cuddles before wandering off to the southwest to rejoin the others, who had started to cross the path into the neighbouring pasture.

The group continued grazing through the dense bracken, enjoying the fresh grass and heather. The recent rain had left a large pool of water near ///line.challenge.taker, which several of the cattle stopping for drinks. Youngster 222 remained playful, coming over multiple times for gentle head rubs before bounding off again to graze.

Eventually, the cattle climbed the steep bank into the pasture near ///thinks.freshest.tape, and then moved further south into the pasture near James Bond Pond. There, they continued grazing on a mix of long grass, heather, and leaves. I said my goodbyes around 12:10, leaving them all relaxed and content.

As I was leaving, I found cow 214 and steer 227 grazing near ///lame.yards.clays, with the rest of their group still grazing in the pasture below.

The cows were all good today.