To the northwest, cow 72 and 940, along with steers 30, 217, 222, 227, 228, 270 and 271, were either grazing or resting in the sunshine. They were all very friendly, taking turns to come over and enjoy plenty of strokes and rubs.
Just after 10:20, I wandered back to where I'd found the first four and met youngster 230 setting off down the path to the east. He soon stopped to greet me and enjoyed a long back scratch. After about 10 minutes, I was about to set off towards Sandy Hill to search for the others when he encouraged me to follow him further east with gentle head rubs and some moos. I was very fortunate he did so, as he led me to the rest of the herd.
Just after 10:35, four of the Sussex cattle, along with steers 20 and 219, were foraging for acorns in the woodland near Farnborough Road. Older steers 33 and 35 were browsing gorse nearby. Sussex cows 211 and 212 were nearer the Sandy Bowl munching on leaves. They were both incredibly affectionate, enjoying long neck and back rubs and offering head rubs and licks in return. Both ended up lying down at my feet to rest and chew their cud. The four, that I'd initially seen, were grazing in the woodland to the east of the Sandy Bowl.
By 11:30, it had started to rain, but that didn't stop the group foraging for acorns. Youngster 219 took a break to come over for some attention. I said my goodbyes at noon and returned to the first group of cattle.
Most were lying down on the hillside, and were totally soaked. Steers 30, 217, and 270, had wisely sheltered in the gorse bushes during the rain. Most enjoyed more strokes and rubs before I said my goodbyes at 13:05.
Unfortunately, the cattle were all in the area where the TALMAG motorcycle club were setting up for their event tomorrow. They are using various bits of the woodland to the south of the Sandy Bowl all the way along to Hungry Hill. Hopefully, the cattle will move away from the area during the remainder of the afternoon.
Will tidy this up and add some photos later.
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