Wednesday 12th November - All 25 seen

At noon, steer 21 was standing under the apple tree on the cattle’s favourite Sandy Hill corner, peacefully chewing his cud. Nearby, steer 35 was grazing on the grass around the gorse bushes, while steer 20 was tucked deep within the bushes to the east. All three were happy, relaxed, and looking well.

A little later, I met youngsters 222 and 228 near ///churn.thud.exhale, climbing the slope of Sandy Hill. Youngster 222 was his usual super-friendly self, enjoying plenty of strokes and rubs while having a rest. Youngster 228 was also friendly, stopping to say hello and enjoy a few strokes. It looked like he’d been having a good scratch on a tree earlier, as he had dark marks on his head and shoulders. Both were content and in good condition.

At 12:20, older steer 33 was resting on the hillside near ///chairing.fluid.acid. Around 45 metres to the northeast, cows 214 and 234, along with steers 227 and 230, were foraging for acorns under the trees. They were all very friendly, taking turns to come over for greetings and plenty of strokes. While I was with them, I noticed the rest of the herd — who had been grazing to the southeast — beginning to climb Sandy Hill. After saying my goodbyes, I walked south to climb back up the hill, only to spot all five following along behind me.

By 12:50, the other twenty cattle had gathered near ///method.grasp.tulip after walking west along Sandy Hill. A few wandered all the way to the end of the hill to browse on leaves from the bushes. The smaller group of five soon joined them and took a well-deserved rest. A short time later, the herd began moving off again in small groups, heading east along the hill. They stopped occasionally to forage for acorns and graze on the grass beside the path, eventually reaching the area near the pillbox, where they paused to rest again. Along the way, several came over for more strokes and rubs. Cow 211 was especially affectionate, leaning in for a long neck rub and thanking me with gentle head nudges and plenty of licks.

By 13:35, the herd had returned to their favourite Sandy Hill corner to rest. It was lovely to see them back on one of their preferred spots. Cows 72 and 940 enjoyed a few fallen apples beneath the apple tree.

Yearling 270 let me check the mark on his left rear side — there was no sign of a cut or injury. It seems likely he had a tick there that burst, leaving a small trace of blood on his coat.

The cows were all good today.