Tuesday 20th January - All 25 seen - Steer 1626 has a possible eye infection.

At 11:40, a group of nine cattle were resting in the bracken on the hillside northwest of Horse Pond, near ///pillow.daydream.runs. Steers 20, 30, 217, 222, 227, 230, and 271, along with cows 72 and 940, were all lying down and chewing their cud. Most enjoyed a few strokes as I moved among them, while cow 940 and youngsters 222 and 230 each stood up in turn for long, relaxing back rubs. All nine were happy, relaxed, and looking well.

At 12:10, a mixed group of eleven cattle were either foraging for acorns among the fallen leaves or resting under the trees near ///dime.strut.forks, close to Farnborough Road. They were all very friendly, coming over to greet me and enjoying plenty of strokes and rubs.

Unfortunately, Sussex steer 1626’s right eye appears to have worsened. A cloudy patch was visible in the lower corner, suggesting a possible infection. His eye remained teary, though he was keeping it fully open today. I have informed the grazing team and shared photos; they plan to visit the site to check on him.

By 12:25, steers 21, 220, and 228 were at the top of the hill near ///call.chat.thanks. After emerging from the gorse, they rested briefly before wandering down to join the others. Shortly before 12:45, I found older steer 33 in the pasture to the north near ///chew.venue.shark. After saying hello, he walked alongside me as we made our way back to the main group.

As I was leaving at 13:05, I returned to the first group, who were still resting on the hillside. Most had shifted positions and were now joined by older steer 35. Yearling 271 was stretched out on his side, fast asleep.

With the exception of Sussex steer 1626, the cattle were all good today.