Sunday 14th June - All 4 seen

At 16:30 this afternoon, the cattle were resting near ///calms.inflamed.rebirth at the far northern end of the site. All four were lying down when I arrived, but steers 200 and 208, along with cow 201, got up as I approached and made my way through a gap in the bushes to join them. Steer 200 was the first to step forward for a greeting, enjoying a few strokes before settling beside me to chew his cud. The other two soon followed, edging forward for their own hello before standing quietly alongside him. After a short while, steer 207 also rose and wandered over to join the others, forming a relaxed little circle around me as they peacefully chewed their cud. Once we’d spent some quiet time together, the cattle gradually drifted off to graze in the surrounding area, nibbling at the long grass and browsing leaves from the bushes. Steer 200 was especially friendly and regularly wandered back over to stand beside me, leaning in gently for a few curious sniffs before settling nearby again. The others also returned from time to time, content to graze and enjoy a bit of company. All four were happy, relaxed, and looking well. A refreshing breeze was blowing, helping to keep most of the flies away from their faces. I said my goodbyes at 17:10, leaving them grazing peacefully. Before leaving the site, I checked the ditch to make sure there was still plenty of drinking water available.

The cows were all good today.

9th June staff check all seen and ok

Mon 8th, expected the gate to be locked (it was) and no sign of them near the entrance today

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Sunday 7th June - All four seen

At 16:50 this afternoon, the cattle were resting in a lovely open area framed by rows of trees on two sides, about 50 metres east of the main path near ///users.firewall.fussy. They were initially all lying down, but steers 200 and 208, along with cow 201, rose to their feet as I approached. The boys were quick to step forward and say hello, happy to stand beside me, gently sniffing and checking me over. Cow 201 was a little more hesitant, but soon edged closer to join them. After a short while, steer 207 also got up, wandering over to join the others as they relaxed and chewed their cud in a loose circle around me.

After our initial greetings, the cattle gradually drifted off to graze in the surrounding area, mainly nibbling on long grass. Steer 200 was especially friendly and would regularly wander back over to stand beside me. He would lean in curiously, sniffing me and my boots, and at one point even gave my hand a couple of licks. Eventually, they drifted back together again, continuing to relax and chew their cud.

All four were happy, relaxed, and looking well, having dried out after yesterday’s rain. However, I did notice a large number of ticks on each of them. As they stood together quietly chewing their cud, they remained completely at ease and content. I said my goodbyes at 17:30, leaving them resting peacefully. As I returned to the path, I noticed that they had followed me out into the clearing and were watching me leave.

Before leaving the site, I checked the ditch to ensure there was still plenty of drinking water available. There was also plenty of additional water in the puddles along the main path, as well as in the area by the test track gate.

The cows were all good today.

4pm, Fri 5th June, all 4 near the gate which was unlocked

Just passing by and happy to see the cows right near the gate into the test track.  One sitting with the other 3 standing, all stared intently whilst chewing.  Seemed fine but it was just a brief glance.  Didn’t venture onto site so can’t comment on the water situation

staff check 4th June all ok and water.

all 4 cows fine - 3rd June

Checked them today and all 4 were looking fine, chewing the cud in NW corner.

Water levels in the ditch are fine, the water level is up slightly (although less than I expected after all this rain) and water is still trickling through from the silt reservoir. No obvious sign that they're using the pasture pumps!

Some silver studded blues and willow warblers been blown around in the wind!