Wednesday 2nd September - All 25 seen

At 16:30 this afternoon, Sussex steers 197, 210, and 1640, along with cows 211, 212, and 1396, were gathered near ///husky.reminds.motion, close to the fenced-off area south of Bourley Road. They were all rather damp from the persistent drizzle but were very friendly, enjoying plenty of strokes and rubs. Cow 212 didn't appear to be bothered in the slightest by the rain and was resting peacefully in the heather. Gradually, most of the others went to join her, with cow 211 and steer 1640 remaining on the higher ground, sheltered by the gorse. Steers 219 and 1626 were happily grazing together about 35 metres further southwest. Youngster 219 was quick to take a break from grazing to come over, say hello, and enjoy a back scratch. All eight were happy, relaxed, and looking well.

At 17:10, steers 30 and 220, along with cow 940, were grazing near ///hours.land.moth, in the pasture northwest of the nursery. They were all enjoying plenty of heather. Youngster 228 had been grazing a little further east, but soon came over to join us, appreciating a good scratch on both sides of his neck. Cow 214 was relaxing and chewing her cud in the thicket just off the main path, about 110 metres further northeast, while a further 70 metres along the path, steer 21 and cows 72 and 234 were all enjoying plenty of gorse. All eight were happy, relaxed, and in good condition.

At 18:05, steers 33, 217, 222, 230, 270, and 271 were grazing in the pasture near ///best.hound.credited, southeast of the main entrance to the Gelvert Reserve. Youngster 230 had been grazing among the bushes a little further west, but soon came out to say hello before enjoying a long back scratch. His wound was looking very similar to yesterday, but thankfully, the rain was helping to keep the flies away. The others were all very friendly, with youngster 222 being his usual affectionate self, offering gentle head rubs after enjoying his neck and back rubs. All six were happy, relaxed, and looking well.

At 18:30, older steers 20 and 35 were grazing together in the thicket near ///skinny.cooked.cycle, south of James Bond Pond. They were both enjoying plenty of heather and leaves from the bushes. They were both happy to stand and be checked before returning to their grazing. The boys were content and in good condition.

Finally, at 18:45, I caught up with youngster 227 on the track near ///doses.gaps.nudge. He had been with the group of six earlier in the day, but had wandered off east on his own. He must have passed close to steers 20 and 35 on his travels but didn't stop to join them. After stopping to greet me and enjoying a neck rub, we walked together until we reached ///ordeals.mugs.bills, north of Horse Pond. He didn't appear to know which direction to go next, so I walked him along the path towards the pond, hoping he would follow me back to the group grazing in the pasture north of Hungry Hill. However, as we made our way towards the pond, I spotted cows 214 and 234 emerging from the thicket some distance ahead of us. The pair crossed the path and headed down to the pond for a drink. We made our way along to join them, with youngster 227 mooing loudly as we approached. A short time later, he was reunited with the girls and appeared happy. I said my goodbyes at 19:05 and, as I wandered off, the three of them headed north along the path, presumably on their way to graze.

The cattle were all good today.

< Will add some more photos tomorrow >