Tuesday 18th August - All 25 seen

At 17:00 this afternoon, a group of seventeen cattle, comprising sixteen members of the original herd along with Sussex steer 1626, were spread out in smaller groups, grazing around the covered reservoir. It was wonderful to see them all looking far more comfortable in the cooler conditions. The hillside just to the northeast of the reservoir was favoured by the five older steers, youngster 217, and cow 214, who were thoroughly enjoying the grass growing around the dense bracken. Cows 72 and 234, along with steers 222, 227, 270, and 1626, favoured the slope to the northwest of the reservoir, where they were happily grazing in the swampy areas close to the Gelvert fence line, with mud reaching all the way up their legs. Youngster 222 was eager to come and say hello, but there was a large, deep swampy area between us. We ended up in a little stand-off, looking at each other for a while as we wondered who was going to brave the mud, but in the end, neither of us did.

The cattle were all very friendly as I made my way around checking on them, happily accepting plenty of strokes and rubs, with back scratches while grazing proving especially popular. All seventeen were happy, relaxed, and looking well.

At 17:55, Sussex cows 211, 212, and 1396 were resting in the bracken on the higher ground to the south of the covered reservoir, near ///candles.stub.freedom. All three were being bothered by large numbers of flies, so were happy for me to sit down beside them and help keep the flies at bay while they relaxed and chewed their cud. Cow 211 was her usual affectionate self, thanking me for a long neck and shoulder rub with gentle head rubs and plenty of licks.

Sussex steers 197, 210, and 1640, along with youngsters 219 and 230, were grazing contentedly further east. They all stopped to say hello and enjoyed plenty of strokes and rubs. Youngster 219 briefly came over to say hello, but it was clear he had more important things on his mind, quickly positioning himself for an extended back scratch, which he thoroughly enjoyed. Steer 1640's wound was looking better today, and it wasn't attracting as many flies. He was keeping it fairly well shielded while grazing in the bracken, which made it difficult to get a close-up photo. The boys were all happy, relaxed, and in good condition.

By 18:50, the majority of the first group had moved further northeast into the pasture near ///printout.snap.duet, where they continued to graze, browsing on leaves from the trees and bushes as well as enjoying plenty of heather. Youngster 222 spotted me approaching and came straight over to greet me with head rubs before enjoying a long neck and back scratch. I said my goodbyes at 19:15, by which time the final members of the group had joined them, leaving the whole group peacefully grazing together.

The cattle were all good today.

There are ongoing service issues with iCloud currently, so additional photos to follow.