Tuesday 11th August - All 25 seen

At 17:15 this afternoon, Sussex cows 211 and 1396, along with steers 197, 210, and 1640, were lying on the sandy area at the southwest corner of James Bond Pond, peacefully relaxing and chewing their cud. Cow 212 and steer 1626 were grazing among the bushes to the northwest, while older steer 35 was grazing in the shade of the gorse bushes to the south. Youngster 219 was standing with his feet in the water among the small trees nearby. They were all happy to be approached for their checks, with most enjoying plenty of strokes and scratches. Cow 211 was especially affectionate, getting up for a long back scratch before rewarding me with plenty of head rubs and licks. After a while, youngster 219 waded through the mud to come over and say hello, before leaning in for a long neck and shoulder rub. All nine were happy, relaxed, and looking well.

At 17:45, steers 20, 21, 30, 33, 217, 222, 227, 228, and 230 were resting beneath the trees to the east of James Bond Pond. Steers 20 and 21 had only recently got up, while the others were gradually following suit before drifting north to graze. The boys were all very friendly, enjoying plenty of strokes and rubs as I checked on them. They were being bothered by flies around their eyes and noses, but were happy to have them brushed away. By 18:00, they had all made their way into the pastures to the north to graze, enjoying plenty of heather and leaves from the bushes. Youngster 222 soon wandered over for more attention, thoroughly enjoying a long back scratch as he grazed. All nine were happy, relaxed, and in good condition.

Finally, at 18:25, the final seven cattle had found a lovely cool spot in the shade of some trees at the bottom of Sandy Hill, near ///loose.curving.hazel. A gentle breeze was helping to keep them cool as they relaxed and chewed their cud. Cow 234 was the first to get up and come over for a neck and back scratch, with cow 72 taking her turn a little later. Youngster 271 enjoyed having the sides of his neck stroked before rolling fully onto his side for a belly scratch. By 19:00, they had all got up and crossed the path into the pasture to the north to graze in the cooling conditions. Cow 940 took a break and came over for another long neck rub before returning to her grazing. I said my goodbyes at 19:15, leaving them all peacefully grazing and gradually moving east towards Horse Pond. 

The cattle were all good today.