Wednesday 17th December - All 25 seen

At 10:15 this morning, older steer 21 was foraging for acorns among the fallen leaves in the thicket northwest of the Sandy Bowl, near ///bake.watch.slimy. Nearby, steers 217, 230, and 271, along with cow 234, were grazing contentedly in the gorse. All five were happy, relaxed, and in good condition. By 10:45, the seven Sussex cattle, together with steers 33 and 219, were gathered on the hillside about 280 metres southwest of Horse Pond, near ///move.spinning.gracing. They were all very friendly, taking turns to come over, say hello, and enjoy strokes and rubs. Cow 211 was especially affectionate, enjoying a long neck scratch and thanking me with plenty of licks. Before I said my goodbyes at 11:10, they had all settled down in the heather to rest and chew their cud. They were all happy and healthy. Older steer 35 appeared to be enjoying some time to himself and was lying down in the bracken on the opposite side of the path at the bottom of the hill, near ///hazel.headache.libraries. He looked particularly comfortable, relaxing and chewing his cud. At 11:15, the remaining ten cattle were spread out, grazing in the gorse bushes opposite their favourite corner of Sandy Hill. Most came out to say hello and enjoy a few strokes. Cows 214 and 940, along with youngster 222, moved through the bushes into the woodland behind to forage for acorns. They were all very friendly and enjoyed long neck and back scratches. By 11:50, cows 214 and 940 had wandered down the hill to join the group of nine resting in the heather opposite, while youngster 222 stayed behind to enjoy another back rub before I said my goodbyes. The group of ten were happy, relaxed, and looking well. The cows were all good today.