Wednesday 3rd December - All 25 seen

Shortly after noon, steers 33 and 219, along with the seven Sussex cattle, had just left their favourite Sandy Hill corner and were grazing to the west. They were enjoying a mix of grass, gorse, and leaves from the trees and bushes. All were very friendly, taking turns to come over, say hello, and enjoy plenty of strokes and rubs. Several had clearly been deep in the gorse bushes before I arrived—judging by the loose gorse covering their backs—which they were more than happy for me to brush off. Steer 1626’s head injury looked better today compared with yesterday. The bleeding had stopped, and the wound appeared less raw. He appeared to be fully at ease, grazing contentedly and exhibiting no signs of discomfort. With rain forecast later in the afternoon, hopefully it will help clean the wound and loosen the matting in his coat. I said my goodbyes at 12:30, leaving them peacefully grazing just beyond the pillbox. Aside from steer 1626’s injury, all nine were happy, relaxed, and looking well. At 12:40, the remaining sixteen cattle were resting near ///store.expiring.music on the hillside about 250 metres north of Horse Pond. Most were lying in the bracken, relaxing and chewing their cud or snoozing. They all looked very comfortable. As I made my way around to check on them, they were happy to be approached, with most enjoying a few strokes and rubs. Several got up and wandered over for longer neck and back rubs. Cow 940 enjoyed a long neck and ear rub in the warm sunshine, while youngster 228 preferred a good back scratch. Youngster 222 was especially affectionate today, thoroughly enjoying being made a fuss of and offering the sweetest cuddles in return. All sixteen were happy, relaxed, and in good condition. By 13:10, a number of the cattle had got up and begun wandering southwest to graze the gorse and heather. However, after about ten minutes, they started to settle down again to rest. I said my goodbyes shortly before 13:30, leaving them peacefully grazing or relaxing in the sunshine. The cows were all good today.