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. Steers 20, 219, 220, 222, 228, 270, and 271, along with cow 72, were grazing near the pillbox. It was a cold, foggy, mizzle-filled start to the day, and the cattle were still damp from earlier rain. Nearby, the three British Whites were grazing contentedly in the gorse bushes just west of the pillbox. All eleven were happy, relaxed, and looking well.

By 09:35, the remainder of the cattle were further west along the hill near ///curly.ambushes.easy. Most emerged from the gorse bushes to greet me before gathering to rest and chew their cud. Cow 940, along with steers 197 and 1640, were foraging for acorns slightly further west but soon wandered over to join the main group. The cattle were especially friendly this morning, with many enjoying long neck and back scratches as they dried out in the sunshine.

Older steer 35 was initially grazing among the gorse on softer ground and appeared to be putting his weight on his injured foot. A short while later, he emerged onto the main path, where his injury was more apparent. He was still limping badly, and his left ankle appeared swollen. He allowed me to approach, check him over, and take some photos. Afterwards, he joined the group of resting cattle and relaxed in the sunshine, chewing his cud.

At around 10:55, the group set off east toward their favourite Sandy Hill corner, with steer 35 following. He was happy for me to walk alongside him. Although the others gradually moved ahead, he continued toward them despite clear discomfort. 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 several of the cattle grazing in the gorse bushes.

I said my goodbyes at noon. At that point, ten of the cattle were resting and chewing their cud on their favourite corner of Sandy Hill, having enjoyed plenty of scratches. Sussex steers 197 and 1640 had wandered west along Sandy Hill, while four other Sussex cattle—together with cows 214 and 940 and steer 219—had moved east to graze on Hungry Hill. The remaining six cattle were still grazing contentedly deep within the gorse bushes opposite the corner.

Except for the injured steer 35, the cattle were all good today.