Tuesday 14th October - All 25 seen

At 16:25 this afternoon, seven cattle were grazing in the pasture just south of the vehicle entrance gate, while the remaining eighteen were spread out in the neighbouring pasture to the south. They were all enjoying plenty of grass but paused their grazing to come over and say hello, happily accepting some strokes and rubs. Before long, the group of seven made their way through a gap in the bushes to join the others.

After about ten minutes, youngsters 220, 222, 228, and 230 — along with the two yearlings — paused their grazing for some playful fun in the middle pasture. They ran about, hopping, skipping, jumping, and rubbing heads with one another. It was an absolute joy to watch them so full of energy and clearly enjoying themselves. Once they’d caught their breath, they returned to grazing, though youngster 222 soon came over for the first of several neck rubs. He was very affectionate, offering gentle head rubs and licks in return.

The herd gradually grazed southwards, almost reaching the path at the far end before cutting through the trees in the centre of the site to move into the eastern pasture. There, they continued grazing back toward Bourley Road. Throughout my visit, the cattle remained calm, friendly, and curious, with many coming over for more neck and back scratches.

All twenty-five were happy, relaxed, and looking well. I said my goodbyes at 18:00, leaving them peacefully grazing as darkness began to fall.

The cows were all good today.