Tuesday 9th June - All 25 seen

At 17:05 this afternoon, steer 35 and Sussex cattle 197, 210, 212, and 1396 were resting in the sunshine on a patch of grass southwest of James Bond Pond, near ///actors.cobbled.crossings. Youngster 230 was lying beside a large puddle on the path just to the north, while cow 211 was enjoying a little time to herself on a patch of grass 25 metres further north. They were all friendly, pausing to enjoy a few strokes and rubs as I checked on them. Cow 211 was especially friendly, leaning in for a long neck and shoulder rub and returning the affection with gentle head rubs and licks. All seven were happy, relaxed, and looking well.

By 17:30, cows 214 and 234, along with steers 21, 217, 219, 220, 271, 1626, and 1640, were spread out across the pasture west of James Bond Pond, near ///bidder.steam.vocal. Most were relaxing and chewing their cud, while a couple were dozing in the sunshine. Youngster 219 soon got up and wandered over for a long back scratch, shuffling backwards and forwards to make sure I reached all the itchy spots. All nine were happy to be approached and enjoyed some attention while I checked on them. They were relaxed, healthy, and in good condition.

At 18:10, youngster 270 was resting at the side of the path in the pasture northwest of James Bond Pond, near ///recorders.path.voter. A little further north, close to the Gelvert fence line, steers 20, 30, 33, 227, and 228 were grazing peacefully. The boys were gradually making their way back towards youngster 270, with steer 20 the first to settle down beside him. Youngsters 227 and 228 paused their grazing to come over for long neck and back scratches. The boys were all happy, relaxed, and looking well.

Finally, at 18:50, cows 72 and 940, along with youngster 222, were in the pasture about 150 metres southeast of the main entrance to the Gelvert Reserve, near ///space.should.wins. The girls were happily grazing, while youngster 222 was lying down and chewing his cud as I approached. He soon got to his feet and wandered over to greet me, eager for the first of many neck scratches. The girls each took turns coming over to say hello, enjoying plenty of strokes and rubs before returning to the fresh grass and silver birch leaves. Youngster 222, however, seemed far more interested in being fussed over, thoroughly enjoying an unhurried shoulder and back scratch and thanking me with the sweetest head rubs on several occasions. I said my goodbyes shortly before 19:30, leaving all three grazing contentedly.

The cows were all good today.