Sunday 1st February - 17 seen - Fence damage between Caesar’s and Gelvert

Shortly after 08:30 this morning, seventeen members of the Caesar’s original herd were spread out foraging for acorns in the woodland around the cow shed. It was raining fairly heavily and the cattle were all soaking wet, although the trees provided some shelter from the worst of the rain.

The cattle were very friendly, pausing their foraging to come over and say hello and enjoy plenty of strokes and rubs. Most seemed pleased to have the rain brushed from their backs and sides. Youngsters 222 and 228 particularly enjoyed long neck rubs and back scratches, returning the affection with enthusiastic rubs from their wet heads! The rest of the group were just as friendly, leaning in for relaxing neck and shoulder rubs as I moved around checking on them. Despite the weather, all appeared happy, relaxed, and in good condition.

I stayed with them until shortly after 10:10, by which time the TALMAG motorcycle trial was well underway. Although motorbikes could be heard in the distance, the cattle did not appear to be bothered.

After saying my goodbyes, I set off on an extensive search across the length and breadth of the site for youngster 219 and the six Sussex cattle. I first checked areas scheduled to be used during the motorcycle trial, then searched further afield. Despite continuing until after 13:15, I was unable to locate them — I’d love to know where they had gone.

I encountered the group of seventeen again at around noon, further east than their earlier position, towards the Royal Pavilion end of the site. Several were standing on the grassy area near ///formal.calms.faded, drying out while relaxing and chewing their cud, while the others were resting in the surrounding woodland. There was a steady flow of cars passing as people left the event.

While searching for the missing group near the Beacon Hill end of the site, I noticed some fence damage near ///flow.protest.whizzing. As movement between Caesar’s and Gelvert is not currently restricted, I did not report this.

The cows that were found were all good today.