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!

Sunday 31st May - All 4 seen

At 17:30 this afternoon, the cattle were grazing near ///choice.staked.flaunting at the far northern end of the site. They were enjoying the long grass and browsing on the leaves of nearby bushes. Steer 208 was initially grazing by the fence line, but soon wandered over to join the others. They seem to be getting used to my visits, taking it in turns to step forward, say hello, and give me an inquisitive sniff. Even the normally shy cow 201 came straight over to greet me.

After a while, steer 207 wandered off to graze in the thicket to the northeast, while steers 200 and 208, along with cow 201, formed a loose circle around me and began to relax and chew their cud in the late-afternoon sun.

All four were happy, relaxed, and in good condition, and were clearly enjoying the cooler conditions and refreshing breeze. As they stood quietly together, chewing their cud, they looked completely at ease and content. I said my goodbyes at 18:00, leaving them peacefully grazing in the evening sunshine.

Before leaving, I wandered round to check that there was still plenty of drinking water in the ditch.

The cows were all good today.

Saturday

 All found at 8.30 in the small area to the right of the entrance gate. All looking fine. 

Friday 29th - Staff Check

 All four cattle were chewing the cud and looking like they were enjoying a respite from blazing sun! All looking well, water levels still good in ditch