Saturday 30th May - All 25 seen

At 08:40 this morning, steers 21, 35, 219, and the seven Sussex cattle were near the grassy patch at the Royal Pavilion end of the site. Steer 35 was standing peacefully on the grass, relaxing and chewing his cud, while youngster 219 and the Sussex cattle were resting in the woodland to the north. Steer 21 was resting alone in the woodland to the southeast. Sussex steer 16540's hip looked much better today, although he was already lying down when I reached him, so I didn’t get to see him walking. All ten were calm, content, and looking well.

At 09:35, cow 72 and steers 30, 33, and 228 were resting in the shade of the trees just north of the grassy area at the eastern end of the Sandy Bowl. Steer 222, along with cows 214, 234, and 940, had started making their way over to the trees at the western end of the Sandy Bowl. Youngster 222 spotted me and wandered over to meet me, very keen for a long neck and back scratch. After a while, the first four cattle strolled over to join the others, and they soon settled down together in the shade. All eight were happy, relaxed, and in good condition.

Shortly before 10:45, steers 217, 200, 227, 230, and 271 wandered down from the pasture north of Horse Pond to take a drink. They had been up at the Lookout and had gradually made their way down. After enjoying a refreshing drink, they each came over to say hello before moving into the trees to the west of the pond to rest. There were plenty of flies around, but they didn’t seem too bothered, choosing to stand close to the trees — and to me — to help keep them away. The boys enjoyed more strokes while they rested.

At 11:10, older steer 20 was grazing under the next area of woodland west of where the boys had settled, while youngster 270 was tucked deep into some holly bushes, trying to escape the many flies. After about fifteen minutes, they began making their way across the path to join the others, where they were met not only by the five boys but also by the eight cattle from the second group. The combined group gathered peacefully under the trees and began to rest, while cows 214 and 234, along with steer 230, grazed peacefully on the slope to the north in the warm sunshine.

As I was leaving at noon, older steers 21 and 35 were lying comfortably in the shade of the trees west of the cow shed, over the wooden bridge. The Sussex cattle and youngster 219 were resting deeper in the woodland further north.

The cows were all good today. Will tidy this up and add some photos later.