Tuesday 9th December - All 25 seen

At 13:30 this afternoon, steers 30, 35, 217, 220, 222, 228, and 271 were resting in the heather near ///hamper.obtain.neon, in the pasture southwest of the cow shed. They all looked very comfortable, and most enjoyed some strokes and rubs as I moved around carrying out my checks. They were happy, relaxed, and in good condition.

At 14:00, a mixed group of sixteen cattle were spread out resting in the pasture near ///ballots.skid.mash. They were making good use of the bracken to create comfortable beds, with cow 940, youngster 227, and yearling 270 looking especially snug. Four of the Sussex cattle—steer 210 and cows 211, 212, and 1396—were lying a little further southeast on the ridge on the far side of the path. The whole group was very friendly and happy to be approached as I made my way around. Sussex steer 1626’s head injury appears to be fully healed, which was great to see.

Older steers 21 and 33 were grazing contentedly in the gorse about 150 metres further west near ///song.skid.rags. It was rather gusty, but the gorse provided good shelter. Both boys were happy, relaxed, and looking well.

At 14:25, I was making my way back to the larger group when a heavy shower arrived. The cattle quickly got up and moved to shelter under the trees near ///ponies.summit.staked, and I joined them to escape the rain. Youngster 230 soon came over for a back rub, and shortly after I noticed youngster 227 chewing something. With a bit of gentle persuasion, he spat out a piece of white plastic, which I picked up and removed. With no break in the weather, the group began drifting south along the path, searching for better shelter. Youngster 227 stayed for a back scratch before heading off to rejoin the others.

The cattle were all good today.