Wednesday 28th October - All 25 seen - Bowser empty, trough empty, but the stream is still flowing

At 15:15 this afternoon, steers 33, 35, 210, 217, 222, 228, 230, 270, and 1626, along with cows 212 and 940, were spread out grazing happily at the southern end of the eastern pasture. Youngster 227 was enjoying some time to himself in the nearby woodland, relaxing and chewing his cud. They were all very friendly as I made my way around checking on them, with most enjoying plenty of strokes and rubs. Youngster 222 was his usual affectionate self, greeting me with gentle head rubs before settling in for a lengthy neck and back scratch. Youngster 228 thoroughly enjoyed a long neck scratch before returning to his grazing. However, the highlight was cow 940 gently resting her head on my shoulder while I stroked the sides of her neck. She was looking really well today, and once we'd finished, she settled down to rest and chew her cud.

Steers 20, 21, 30, and 220, along with cows 72, 211, and 214, were browsing on leaves from the trees and bushes in the central area. They all emerged to say hello, with most enjoying some fuss. Older steer 21 thoroughly enjoyed a neck rub before positioning himself for a long back scratch. Youngster 220 had clearly been rubbing his head against a tree, as he was covered in mud.

The remaining six cattle — steers 197, 219, 271, and 1640, along with cows 234 and 1396 — were all grazing in the western pasture nearest the water troughs. They, too, were very friendly, taking turns to wander over to say hello and enjoy plenty of strokes and rubs. All twenty-five cattle were happy, relaxed, and looking well.

While on the western side of the site, I checked the water situation. The bowser was still empty, and the connected trough was now empty too. I watched as cattle continued to approach the trough looking for water, but there was none. Fortunately, the stream was still flowing, and several of the cattle crossed the pasture to get a drink.

While several cattle were drinking at the stream, I noticed that one of their collars sounded, causing the group to leave the area immediately. I gave Chris at HIWWT a call and asked whether he could extend the NoFence boundary in that part of the site to prevent this from happening.

Once the cattle had finished drinking and moved away, I took the opportunity to remove several large branches from the water. I also removed a brick that was emerging from the mud at the edge of the stream. It was right at the bottom of the track the cattle were using to reach the water, so removing it left them with one less obstacle to negotiate.

After spending some more time with the herd, I said my goodbyes at 17:15, by which time darkness had fallen. All twenty-five cattle were grazing in the eastern pasture, gradually making their way towards the woodland in the southeast corner.

The cattle were all good today.