Saturday 25th April - All 25 seen

At 09:50 this morning, a mixed group of seventeen cattle, including Sussex steer 1626, was grazing in the thicket southwest of James Bond Pond, having moved over earlier from the pasture north of the pond. They gradually emerged from the bushes and wandered across to the patch of grass near ///locked.coats.idealist, where they stopped to say hello and enjoy plenty of strokes and rubs. Youngster 219 was especially friendly, enjoying a long, relaxing back rub while resting in the sunshine. Steers 30, 33, 35, 222, 228, 230, and 271 moved into the woodland to the west to continue grazing, enjoying plenty of leaves from the trees and bushes. Youngster 222 soon wandered over for more scratches, offering gentle head rubs in return. By 11:30, most of the cattle had settled on the grassy patch, either chewing their cud or dozing in the sunshine. Unfortunately, the warm weather had brought out the flies, although they did not seem too bothered. They would occasionally get up and take turns standing in the shade of the trees in the centre of the area for some respite from the sun and flies. Older steers 21 and 31 preferred to rest beneath the trees just off the path to the west. All seventeen were happy, relaxed, and looking well. At 11:50, steers 20 and 1640, along with cows 211, 940, and 1396, were drinking at the northeastern corner of James Bond Pond. They all stepped out of the water to say hello and enjoy a few strokes. Cow 211 thoroughly enjoyed a long neck rub while standing at the water's edge. The group then made their way into the pasture to the north to graze, before moving into the shade of the trees and bushes near ///adapt.ruled.enjoy. All five were content, relaxed, and in good condition. At 12:20, the final three Sussex cattle—steers 197 and 210, along with cow 212—were grazing at the western end of Sandy Hill. They had been making their way west, but soon turned back, clearly enjoying the lush grass. They all took turns coming over to say hello and enjoy some strokes, standing close to me to help keep the flies off their faces. All three were all happy and healthy. After spending some time with the three Sussex cattle, I returned to the main group, who were still resting where I had left them earlier. They were happy for me to sit with them and give them some more attention as they relaxed. I said my goodbyes shortly after 13:00, leaving them all resting peacefully. The cows were all good today.