Saturday 20th December - All 25 seen - Steer 35 continues to limp badly but is keeping up with the rest of the herd

At 09:00 this morning, the cattle were split into two groups, grazing on Sandy Hill. A group of seven were near the pillbox; they were all very friendly and came over to say hello and enjoy some strokes. They were still very damp from earlier rain. The three British Whites were nearby in the gorse bushes.

The remainder of the cattle were further west along the hill. Most emerged from the gorse bushes to greet me before starting to gather to rest and chew their cud. The sun soon came out, allowing them to dry out quicker. Cow 940, along with steers 197 and 1640, were a little further west but soon wandered along to join the main group.

Older steer 35 was initially grazing in the gorse, putting his weight on his injured foot but moving slowly. A short while later, he emerged onto the side of the main path, where his injury became more apparent. He is still limping badly, and his left ankle appears swollen. He allowed me to approach, check him over, and take some photos. Afterwords, he joined the group of resting cattle and began to relax and chew his cud in the sunshine.

At around 10:55, the group set off east toward their favourite Sandy Hill corner, and steer 35 followed. He was happy for me to walk alongside him. Although the others gradually moved ahead, he continued walking toward them despite being clearly uncomfortable. The rest of the herd appeared mindful of his injury and did not move too far in front. Once he reached the corner, he stood in the sunshine, resting and chewing his cud. A while later he joined a number of the other cattle who were grazing in the gorse bushes.

I said my goodbyes at noon. At that point, ten of the cattle relaxing and chewing their cud on their favourite cattle. Sussex steers 197 and 1640 wandered west along Sandy Hill, while another four Sussex cattle, cows 214 and 940, along with youngster 219, had moved east toward Hungry Hill. The remaining six were still grazing deep in the gorse bushes opposite the corner.

With the exception of steer 35's injury, the cattle were all good today.

Full update and photos to follow.