Wednesday 26th November - All 25 seen

At 12:25 this afternoon, cows 72, 214, 234, and 940 were grazing along the eastern side of Horse Pond, having wandered down from the pasture to the northeast a little earlier. They were all very friendly, coming over to say hello and enjoying a few strokes and rubs. After greeting me, they moved off the path and into the trees to forage for acorns. The four girls were happy, relaxed, and in good condition.

By 12:50, the seven Sussex cattle, along with steers 35 and 219, were resting comfortably in the bracken near ///envy.blues.caller, northeast of Hungry Hill. Youngster 219 soon stood up and wandered over to greet me, keen for a neck and back scratch. Most of the others were peacefully relaxing and chewing their cud in the sunshine, while a couple dozed. They were all content and looking well.

At 13:20, the remaining twelve steers were resting among the heather and bracken near ///after.dogs.sapping. Older steer 21 was enjoying some time alone about 30 metres south of the main group, separated from them by gorse bushes. As usual, youngster 222 was the first to get up, coming straight over for a long neck, shoulder, and back rub. He wanted all the attention today, giving me gentle head nudges as I moved around checking the others to remind me he was there. The rest of the boys were also friendly, happy to be approached, and most enjoyed a few strokes. They were all happy, relaxed, and looking well. As I left them at 13:45, they had all got up and begun gathering on the corner to the north.

It was a busy day on Caesar’s today. The fire brigade were carrying out training but had stopped for lunch at Horse Pond while I was checking on the girls. A contractor was cutting and burning gorse near ///verse.stages.zeal, not far from the second group. Shortly after I passed the area and continued along the main path, the police drove by. There was also plenty of army activity, with a squad to the north of Horse Pond and several Land Rovers travelling far faster than they should have been along the main track near ///waking.spring.fuse.

The cows were all good today.