Tuesday 23rd June - All 25 seen

At 17:10 this afternoon, all eighteen members of the Caesar’s original herd were spread out grazing in the sunshine at the foot of Sandy Hill, near ///quack.raft.ruffling. Despite the intense heat, the cattle were still grazing comfortably and moving around without any signs of stress. There were a large number of flies about, which were particularly affecting their eyes, causing them to water and, in some cases, leaving dark tear streaks down their faces. The cattle were regularly wiping their faces in the bracken to try to get some respite. Despite this, they were all very friendly, wandering over to say hello, with most enjoying strokes — even if only to clean their faces. Cows 72 and 940, along with steers 219, 222, 227, and 228, all enjoyed long neck and back scratches while resting in the shade.

After a good while, the cattle started to drift into the pasture across the path to the north, continuing to graze contentedly. By 18.20, cows 214 and 234, along with steers 220, 230, 270, and 271, had gathered under the trees to the west of Horse Pond to rest and chew their cud. The shade helped, but the air beneath the trees was still and muggy, providing only limited relief from the heat. There were fewer flies there, though, which was a welcome improvement. All eighteen cattle were relaxed, content, and looking well.

At 18:40, six of the Sussex cattle were gathered in the shade near ///kilts.duplicity.dolls, towards the easterly end of the pasture northeast of Horse Pond, while Sussex steer 1626 was out in the pasture grazing. Cow 1396 and steer 1640 were lying down in the bracken, but were being bothered by a huge number of flies, while the others stood nearby. Before long, they all got up and wandered out into the pasture to join steer 1626. They, too, were very friendly, coming over to spend some time with me, with cows 211 and 212, particularly enjoying back scratches while continuing to graze. All seven were calm, relaxed, and in good condition.

As I was leaving, the group of six who had been resting under the trees had moved out into the pasture north of Horse Pond, where they were enjoying fresh grass and heather. Youngster 228 was standing on the path relaxing and chewing his cud, while steer 217 was resting among the trees. I said my goodbyes at 19:15, leaving them all peaceful and content.

The cows were all good today.