Saturday 22nd August - All 25 seen

At 09:00 this morning, the seven Sussex cattle, along with steers 20, 219, and 220, were grazing at the Royal Pavilion end of the site. Cow 1396 was on the grassy patch, grazing contentedly, and was soon joined by cow 212 and steers 219 and 1640. Steer 1640's wound continues to heal nicely and was looking good today. Steers 20 and 220, along with the four remaining Sussex cattle, were grazing in the nearby bramble. All ten were happy, relaxed, and looking well.

At 10:10, older steer 21 was grazing among the bracken near ///rolled.fade.boil, while steers 30, 33, 35, 230, 270, and 271 were grazing further southwest, on the far side of the path near ///join.finds.adjusting. They were all contentedly grazing in the warm sunshine, making the most of the long grass and leaves. They all paused to say hello as I made my way around checking on them. All seven were happy, relaxed, and in good condition.

At 10:50, the remaining eight cattle were gathered at the southeast corner of James Bond Pond. Cows 72 and 940, along with steers 217, 222, 227, and 228, were lying down on the sandy area by the water's edge, relaxing and chewing their cud. Cows 214 and 234 were grazing in the thicket to the south, but after about fifteen minutes wandered over to join the others. Youngster 222 was soon on his feet and came over to say hello, greeting me with gentle head rubs before settling in for an extended neck and back scratch. Over the next while, the others took turns getting up and coming over to greet me, each thoroughly enjoying a long back scratch while relaxing in the sunshine. As I said my goodbyes at noon, they began drifting south, climbing the bank and heading off to graze. All eight were happy, relaxed, and looking well.

As I was leaving, the boys from the second group were resting among the trees and bushes to the west of Horse Pond. Youngster 230 must have been in the pond enjoying the lily pads, as he was soaking wet when he came over for some fuss. By 12:35, eight of the cattle from the first group were resting in the shade of the woodland just along from the cow shed, near the cattle grid, while cows 212 and 1396 were grazing to the east.

The cow shed has also been painted inside and out, covering all the graffiti and giving it a much-needed freshen-up.

The cattle were all good today.