Sunday 28th December - All 25 seen

Shortly after 09:35 this morning, steers 35 and 227 were foraging for acorns among the fallen leaves near ///shiny.dish.segmented, west of the cow shed. Steer 35 was moving freely and putting his full weight on his ankle, suggesting he has fully recovered from his injury. Youngster 227 was very friendly, coming over to say hello and enjoying a long neck and back scratch.

By 10:00, nine cattle were resting on the grassy area near ///scout.cube.noon at the Royal Pavilion end of the site. The remaining fourteen were either foraging for acorns in the woodland to the east or grazing bramble in the thicket to the southeast. Youngster 222 was particularly friendly, enjoying endless strokes and rubs and returning the affection with the sweetest head rubs.

After a while, the group of nine drifted over to join the others, grazing among the bramble. All the cattle were friendly as I moved around checking on them. During this time, the seven Sussex cattle and youngster 219 wandered off toward the Sandy Bowl, while the rest of the herd gradually made their way east through the thicket.

By 11:00, steer 33 was resting on one of the grassy islands in the Sandy Bowl, relaxing and chewing his cud. Nearby, the seven Sussex cattle and youngster 219 were foraging for acorns in the woodland to the south. All eight were happy, relaxed, and in good condition when I checked on them. Shortly after 11:35, steers 35 and 227 arrived to join the herd.

By 11:50, more cattle gathered on the grassy island and soon settled down to rest and chew their cud, though several got up and wandered over to enjoy more neck and back rubs. Six of the Sussex cattle had found a sheltered spot beneath the trees near ///voter.shine.lies, lying comfortably in the fallen leaves, while the seventh remained alone to the northwest. Shortly after 12:20, the rest of the herd joined them, seeking shelter from the chilly breeze. Most settled down to rest, while others continued foraging for acorns.

After saying my goodbyes, I walked to the northeastern end of the Sandy Bowl, where steers 21 and 35 were resting near ///risk.dream.meals, with steers 30, 220, and 270 browsing gorse nearby.

The cows were all good today.

< Photos to follow later >