Sunday 3rd August - All 25 seen - Cow 72 has a lump on the right side of her neck

At 09:40 this morning, steer 230 and cows 214 and 234 were resting under a small grove of trees near ///bumpy.email.rail. Youngster 227 was up and about, happily munching on fresh grass nearby. He was very friendly, coming straight over for a back rub. Older steer 20 was lying down alone in the woodland about 100 metres northeast near ///blog.equal.scores. All five were happy, healthy, and in good condition, though they were being bothered by a large number of flies.

By 10:30, a group of twelve cattle were spread out happily grazing among the bracken near ///blink.upwards.this. They were all friendly and came over to say hello. Youngster 222 enjoyed his usual long head and neck rub, rewarding me with plenty of licks. A little later, youngster 219 and yearling 270 crossed the path to graze in the thicket opposite. Cow 72 was especially enjoying the leaves from the trees. All twelve were content, relaxed, and looking well. 

The final group of eight cattle, which included the seven Sussex cattle and cow 940, was found at 11:25 near ///quail.bleaker.slopes, southwest of James Bond Pond. Most were lying down, resting and chewing their cud, although the flies were proving to be a real nuisance. Cow 1396 preferred to graze in the shade of the trees to the west. All appeared healthy and in good condition.

As I prepared to leave around noon, the second group had moved into the pasture southwest of the Lookout, grazing on grass and heather. They gradually made their way over to the Lookout and settled under the trees near the benches, enjoying a refreshing breeze. Several came over for more strokes and rubs. I said my goodbyes at 12:45, leaving them all peacefully chewing their cud.

I noticed a small lump on the right side of cow 72’s neck, likely caused by an insect sting. She didn’t appear bothered by it and allowed me to touch the area without discomfort.

The cattle have been heavily pestered by flies during recent visits—hopefully there will be an opportunity to have them sprayed soon.

Despite the flies and cow 72's lump, the cows were all good today.