Wednesday 29th July - All 25 seen

At 17:35 this afternoon, the cattle were all together, although well spread out while grazing in the pasture near ///ideas.suffer.afraid, west of Horse Pond. Despite another very hot day, there was a gentle breeze that helped take the edge off the heat. The cattle were enjoying plenty of heather, silver birch leaves, and grass growing around the dense bracken. They were all very friendly, taking turns to wander over to say hello and enjoy plenty of strokes and rubs before returning to their grazing. All twenty-five were happy, relaxed, and looking well. By 18:10, the cattle had begun to move into the shade of the woodland to the northeast, where they continued grazing before gradually settling down to chew their cud. The remaining six Sussex cattle, along with steers 219, 227, and 271, chose to continue grazing out in the pasture. Many of the cattle beneath the trees wandered over for more attention, thoroughly enjoying long neck and back scratches. By 18:40, the group of nine had wandered into the woodland in groups of two or three to join the main herd, which had gradually moved closer to the main path to the north. It was only when I went to spend some more time with youngster 228 that I noticed the Army had set up camp among the same trees further to the east. A group of soldiers spotted me and came over for a brief chat about the cattle. Around 18:50, the herd started to move east along the main path before cutting through the thicket at the foot of the hill and into the dense bracken beneath the Lookout to graze. I said my goodbyes to the last few shortly before they disappeared into the bushes at the side of the hill. As I walked back towards Horse Pond, the Army began a training exercise. The cattle were all good today.