Sunday 28th June - All 25 seen - Cow 211 has a pink patch at the inner corner of her right eye

At 09:30 this morning, steers 30, 210, 217, 220, 222, 228, 230, 270, and 271, along with cow 234, were resting under the shade of the trees west of Horse Pond, closer to the path. Sussex steer 1640 and cows 211 and 212 were relaxing and chewing their cud nearer the water’s edge. Sussex steer 1626 was almost completely hidden in the bracken to the south, and if I hadn’t seen him disappear into it when I first arrived, I would have easily missed him. Although it wasn’t as hot today and there was a gentle breeze, the cattle were still being bothered by flies. They were all very friendly, enjoying plenty of strokes and rubs as I made my way around checking on them. Youngster 222 got up shortly after my arrival, eager for a neck rub and an extra-long back scratch. The cattle all appeared much more comfortable today and were happy, relaxed, and in good condition, with no obvious effects from the recent heat.

I noticed that Sussex cow 211 had a pink, slightly irritated patch at the inner corner of her right eye. There was also a line of dark discharge running from the lower corner of her eye down into the lighter patch beneath it. She allowed me to gently clean the area and remained calm throughout. She wasn’t showing any signs of discomfort, and there was no cloudiness visible in the eye itself. The photograph was taken before her eye was cleaned. I have made Chris at HIWWT aware.

At 10:25, steers 33, 197, and 219 were happily grazing in the pasture northeast of the pond. They were all enjoying the fresh grass growing around the bracken. All three paused from grazing to say hello and enjoy some strokes. Youngster 219 was particularly keen for a back scratch while continuing to graze. The boys gradually made their way towards Horse Pond, stopping for a drink before joining the group under the trees ten minutes later. All three were happy, relaxed, and looking well.

By 11:00, the remaining eight cattle were just arriving at the northeast corner of James Bond Pond, having made their way along from near the Lookout. They all stopped for a drink before resting in and around the water’s edge, enjoying the refreshing breeze. They were all happy to be approached and enjoyed plenty of strokes and rubs. After a while, they made their way through the gorse bushes to the north and into the pasture to the west, where they began grazing. They were thoroughly enjoying the long grass, heather, and leaves from the silver birch trees as they made their way west towards the large bund. They regularly paused to wander over for back scratches before returning to graze. I said my goodbyes at 11:45, just as they were moving to the far side of the bund, where it looked likely they were going to settle down and rest. Cows 72, 214, 940, and 1396, along with steers 20, 21, 35, and 227, were all content, relaxed, and looking well.

The cows were all good today.