Saturday 18th July - All 25 seen - Steer 228 has a lump on the left side of his neck

At 09:45 this morning, steers 21, 30, 33, 217, and 222 were spread out grazing near ///helped.dine.bound, southwest of James Bond Pond. Older steer 30 and youngsters 217 and 222 soon followed the path northwest before moving beneath the shade of the trees to rest. Youngster 222 was especially friendly today, wandering over to say hello as soon as he spotted me and greeting me with affectionate head rubs. He thoroughly enjoyed a long neck rub, followed by an extra-long back scratch while relaxing beneath the trees. Older steers 21 and 33 eventually rejoined the group at 10:20, having spent some time browsing the leaves on the nearby bushes. All five were happy, relaxed, and looking well.

By 10:30, cows 214, 234, and 940, along with steers 220 and 228, were resting beneath the trees to the east of James Bond Pond. Although it was cooler today, with a gentle breeze taking the edge off the heat, there were still plenty of flies about. All five were happy to be approached for their checks, each enjoying plenty of strokes and rubs. While giving youngster 228 a neck rub, I noticed a lump on the left side of his neck, which looked as though it may have been caused by an insect bite. He was happy for me to check it and didn't appear to be in any discomfort, but I will check it again tomorrow. All five were happy, relaxed, and in good condition.

At 11:25, Sussex steer 197 and cow 212 were grazing among the bracken near ///aunts.broker.twit, about 340 metres northeast of Horse Pond. They were both friendly, coming over to say hello. Sussex steers 210, 1626, and 1640, along with cows 211 and 1396, were resting in the bracken around 120 metres further north, near ///tribe.latter.splash. Youngster 219 was standing beneath the shade of a large tree behind them and thoroughly enjoyed a long back scratch while taking a break. All eight were happy, relaxed, and looking well.

By 11:50, I had walked 80 metres northeast and found cow 72 and steer 230 resting beneath the trees near ///films.voice.magic. They were both looking very comfortable in the cooler conditions and enjoyed plenty of fuss. Steers 20 and 227 were grazing close by, with youngster 227 coming over to say hello and enjoy some attention. All four were content and looking well. Meanwhile, the Sussex cattle and youngster 219 were happily grazing across the pasture, gradually making their way towards the group of four.

Earlier, before I arrived and found the first two Sussex cattle, older steer 35, along with youngsters 270 and 271, had wandered over to Horse Pond for a drink. Shortly before 12:30, they slipped into stealth mode, walking right past me and the group of twelve on the main path to the southeast before circling and rejoining us from the north. The boys quickly started grazing on the grass growing around the bracken, all looking very well. Youngster 271 had obviously been for a paddle in the pond, as his sides and underside were still wet.

The cattle were all good today.