Saturday 27th December - All 25 seen

Shortly after 09:00, the cattle had split into two groups at the eastern end of the site. Fourteen were spread out on either side of the path near ///fits.dark.wages, grazing on gorse and foraging for acorns. The remaining eleven were further northeast, grazing among the trees and bushes near the Sandy Bowl. The group of fourteen later divided again. Steers 33, 217, and 219, along with Sussex cows 211, 212, and 1396 and steer 1640, were grazing and foraging for acorns near ///widest.dawn.outbursts. After a while, the Sussex cattle lay down in the bracken—though not before cow 211 came over for a long neck rub, offering plenty of licks in return. By 10:00, Sussex steers 197 and 210, previously with the group of eleven, wandered up to join them, announcing their arrival with loud moos. The remaining six cattle were foraging for acorns and browsing gorse near ///spicy.boxing.horns. They were soon joined by cows 72 and 234 and steers 220 and 222. Youngster 222 was especially friendly, enjoying endless strokes while relaxing and chewing his cud in the sunshine. Cow 72 also enjoyed extended neck and back scratches. By 11:10, cow 940 and steers 20, 30, and 227 had completed a loop of the lower part of the site and began to lie down and relax near ///active.dripped.fuses. At 11:35, older steer 35 was still active on the raised ground near ///goes.spill.seats, grazing and foraging for acorns. Despite the uneven terrain, he showed no signs of difficulty and was bearing full weight on his ankle as he moved. By midday, the majority of the cattle were lying down in their three groups, enjoying the sunshine while resting and chewing their cud.

The cows were all good today.