Saturday 23rd May - All 25 seen

At 08:45 this morning, steers 21, 35, 227, 228, 270, and 271 were grazing in the shade at the west end of Longbottom. They were all very friendly, taking turns to come over to say hello and enjoy some strokes. They gradually moved east but were happy to stand close for long periods, relaxing and chewing their cud while I helped keep the flies away from their eyes. After saying my goodbyes at 09:15, they set off further east in the direction of Horse Pond.

At 09:25, steers 30, 33, 210, 222, 230, and 1626, along with cows 211, 212, and 940, were grazing in the pasture north of James Bond Pond, near ///burst.candy.paler. After coming over to say hello, they soon started to lie down and rest in the warm sunshine. Cow 211 enjoyed a long neck and ear rub before lying down at my feet. Youngster 222 wandered over from the far western corner to greet me with gentle head rubs before leaning in for a long back scratch. All nine were happy and healthy.

The remaining ten cattle had wandered off to the southwest to graze among the heather in the pasture near ///bars.clerk.villas. As I set off to check on them, youngsters 222 and 230 followed after me. Cows 72 and 1396, along with steers 197, 219, and 1640, were all grazing contentedly, but soon stopped to enjoy some attention. Soon after, they started to lie down on a grassy patch on the corner. Steers 20, 217, and 220, along with cows 214 and 234, were spread out across the surrounding area, still grazing. They soon moved into the shade to rest and chew their cud. All ten were happy, relaxed, and in good condition.

I returned to the second group shortly before 10:45 to spend some more time with them. Some had started to get up and briefly stand in the shade before wandering off to join the others. Cow 211 stayed behind, happy to be approached and to enjoy more strokes, eventually stretching out on her side for a belly rub. I said my goodbyes shortly after 11:00, with her following me before wandering off to join the others. Hopefully, they'll all head off and find somewhere cool to rest.

The cows were all good today.