Saturday 27th June - All 25 seen

At 09:00 this morning, steers 33 and 217, along with cows 214, 234, and 940, were making their way down towards the cow shed from the Royal Pavilion end of the site. They all stopped to say hello and enjoy some strokes before heading over to the stream for a drink. They soon wandered back over for longer back scratches before going into the cow shed to rest.

By 09:20, they had been joined by steers 20, 30, 197, 220, 222, 227, 228, 230, 270, and 271, along with cow 72, who had gradually made their way down in ones and twos. Most took drinks from the stream before coming over to say hello and enjoy some strokes. The cattle were being bothered by the flies again today, with many having teary eyes and some dark streaks down their faces. Youngsters 228 and 230 were particularly affected, but both spent a good while with me, resting their heads against my legs as they enjoyed neck and shoulder rubs, which helped keep the flies away from their faces. They both appreciated having the flies regularly wiped away, and the teary streaks gently rubbed to help dry them. Youngster 222 was especially friendly, enjoying plenty of neck and back scratches and returning the affection with gentle head rubs.

By 09:50, I had just set off to check the final nine cattle when youngster 219 and the remaining six Sussex cattle appeared at the top of the hill to the northeast of the shed. They all stopped to greet me and have a quick check over before carrying on down to join the others. Older steers 21 and 35 made their way down the track further north, emerging near the cattle grid before wandering along to join the group.

The cattle split their time between standing in the shade of the cow shed, relaxing and chewing their cud, grazing in the pasture to the southeast, or coming over to spend time being fussed over. They were all content, relaxed, and in good condition, showing no obvious effects from the extreme heat over the past few days. They were all seen walking, grazing, and resting normally without any visible issues.

I said my goodbyes at 11:30, leaving steers 21, 33, 35, 219, 222, 227, 230, and 270, along with cow 214, resting under the trees northwest of the cowshed, on the far side of the wooden bridge. Six Sussex cattle and eight of the original herd were relaxing in the cow shed, while steers 20 and 1640 were off grazing in the pasture to the southwest by the fenced-off area near ///basics.jumps.share.

The cattle were all good today.

Photos to follow in a while.