Saturday 21st March - All 25 seen

At 09:15 this morning, Sussex cows 211, 212, and 1396, along with youngster 222, were grazing on Sandy Hill near the pillbox. They were all very friendly, taking turns to come over and say hello before enjoying plenty of strokes and rubs. Youngster 222 returned the affection with gentle head rubs, while cow 211 preferred to offer plenty of licks. All four were happy, relaxed, and looking well.

By 09:55, Sussex steers 197, 210, and 1640 were grazing on fresh grass further west along Sandy Hill, near ///emerge.juicy.sung. They were equally friendly, pausing to enjoy some scratches. Afterwards, they followed me east along the hill to rejoin the others, who were grazing in the sunshine on their favourite spot on Sandy Hill. Before long, they began to rest and chew their cud, all looking in great condition.

At 10:25, cow 940 and youngster 222, who had drifted away from the Sussex group, were grazing at the base of Sandy Hill near ///cackling.utter.brink. Cow 940 was very friendly and enjoyed plenty of strokes, while youngster 222 soon positioned himself in the middle of the path for another long back rub. By 10:50, youngster 219 was browsing gorse along the track down to Horse Pond, while steers 21, 30, 217, and 1626 were eating deep within the gorse bushes at the southeast corner of the pond. All were happy and healthy.

By 11:00, the remaining twelve cattle were lying down near ///tinsel.hikes.ashes, northeast of the pond, either relaxing, chewing their cud, or dozing in the warm sunshine. They all looked very comfortable and were happy to be approached as I moved around checking on them. At times, a few stood up to stretch before settling back down again, while others seemed to time it perfectly to enjoy a back scratch as I passed. All twelve were happy, relaxed, and looking very well.

Shortly after 11:50, youngster 222 and cow 940 were resting in the heather north of Horse Pond. By noon, steers 30, 217, and 219 were also resting in the heather at the foot of Sandy Hill. Steers 21 and 1626, who had still been grazing, soon came over to join them.

As I was leaving at 12:20, the six Sussex cattle were settled on their favourite Sandy Hill corner, peacefully chewing their cud. They were happy for some company and enjoyed a final round of strokes before I said my goodbyes about thirty minutes later.

The cows were all good today.