Tuesday 2nd September - All 25 seen

At 16:25 this afternoon, older steer 20 was resting in the heather in the pasture near ///crazy.bends.bonus, roughly 300 metres southwest of Horse Pond. Nearby, steers 21, 217, 220, and 230 were grazing along the sides of the main path, pausing occasionally to forage for acorns. Although they were damp from the frequent rain showers, they were drying quickly. All five were happy, relaxed, and looking well.

Further west, at 16:40 near ///arriving.tacky.lump, the seven Sussex cattle and older steer 33 were spread out grazing in the woodland. One by one, they emerged to greet me, stopping to have a drink from nearby puddles before setting off eastward to join the others. All eight were relaxed, healthy, and in good condition.

By 17:20, all thirteen had gathered near Horse Pond, joined by steers 35 and 219. Steer 35 was relaxing on the bank in the sunshine, happily chewing his cud, while youngster 219 foraged for acorns with steer 33 in the thicket east of the pond.

At 17:50, steers 30, 222, 227, and 228 were lying down near ///rules.desk.precluded, relaxing and chewing their cud. Earlier, they had been grazing near the covered reservoir and had since climbed the hill to settle there. Youngsters 222 and 227 were especially affectionate, happily leaning in for long neck and shoulder rubs as they rested. All four were calm, content, and in good condition.

Finally, at 18:30, the last group of six was found near ///merely.tubes.skin, about 350 metres southwest of the Bourley Road car park. Cow 72 and the two yearlings were lying in the bracken, while the other three grazed nearby. Cow 72 soon good up to greet me, enjoying a long neck and back rub. She allowed me to thoroughly check her neck and head, which showed no signs of injury. After rewarding me with a few gentle head rubs, she wandered off grazing, moving her neck freely without any issues. Yearling 271 was also very friendly, thoroughly enjoying a long back scratch while sheltering beneath the trees during a heavy shower. I said my goodbyes at 19:15, leaving them all grazing peacefully. All six were happy, relaxed, and in good condition.

The cows were all good today.