Saturday 15th August - All 25 seen

Shortly after 09:00 this morning, cow 212, along with steers 197 and 219, were grazing among the bracken near ///hike.retire.adopt, not far from the nursery. Steers 210 and 1640 were lying down nearby, relaxing and chewing their cud, while older steers 21 and 30 were grazing together to the southwest. Steer 1640's wound was looking better than on Wednesday, but was still attracting a lot of flies. I gave it another clean and positioned some bracken over it to help keep the flies away for a while. Cow 212 and steer 219 were very friendly, taking turns to come over and greet me before leaning in for long neck and back scratches. All seven were happy, relaxed, and looking well.

At 10:00, youngster 230 was deep in Horse Pond, enjoying plenty of lily pads, while cows 211, 214, 234, and 1396, along with steers 33, 217, 227, and 1626, were gathered on the southern bank. Most were settled around the trees in the southeast corner, enjoying the shade. Cows 211 and 1396 were lying down, relaxing and chewing their cud, with the others standing nearby. Cow 211 enjoyed a long neck scratch while resting, thanking me with plenty of licks. All nine were happy, relaxed, and in good condition.

By 10:15, the remaining nine cattle began appearing on the northern bank of the pond, stopping for refreshing drinks of water. They had been grazing under the Lookout earlier but had gradually drifted south. I went round to check on them, with several coming over to say hello and enjoy some fuss. Youngster 222 had ventured into the pond to join youngster 230 by the time I reached them, but soon came out and wandered over to say hello, enjoying the first of many back scratches.

The cattle from both groups gradually moved into the shade of the trees west of the pond, where they relaxed and chewed their cud, while the three Sussex cattle remained lying beneath the tree in the southeast corner. They took turns coming over to spend some time with me, enjoying plenty of attention. It was lovely to spend some quiet, relaxing time with them today. They eventually made their way to the far western end of the trees, where it was a little cooler and a gentle breeze helped keep them comfortable. I said my goodbyes at 12:10, with steers 220, 222, 227, and 228, along with cow 234, grazing at the foot of Sandy Hill, while the others remained in the shade of the trees.

The cattle were all good today.