I have just returned from my morning walk around the farm to check the stock. Everything was in order and it is pleasing that the cattle are still out and not being housed early like last year when it was so very wet. The weather has been a real challenge this year and I hope that 2019 might be a little more true to form without the drastic wet followed by the long hot summer – there’s no pleasing some people ! With 2018 coming to a close we are very much looking forward to a productive 2019 on the farm and will strive to keep this small rural …
[Read more...]

We recently managed to get away for a short birding break in Hungary. This was a mixed experience – the birding, with a few notable exceptions, was poor and led me to ask myself if this was a vision of the future. The Great Hungarian Plain seemed largely devoid of wildlife and diversity and, dare I say, driving across it was at times tedious and monotonous? It was a welcome relief to drive up into the hills, where the autumn colours were magnificent. We added on a couple of days at the end to explore Budapest and, although I am no lover of …
[Read more...]

Devon pharmacists offer fast track to prescriptions Under the Pharmacy First scheme, trained pharmacists in participating branches can give out medication which normally has to be prescribed by a GP for the following conditions:   Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) for women aged 18-64 Impetigo Nappy rash Conjunctivitis for one-year-olds Only specially trained pharmacists offer the service – if you want to check it’s available at your local community pharmacist, phone ahead and ask about Pharmacy First …
[Read more...]

The robins at both ends of our garden have become very tame indeed, doubtless seeing me as a source of constant food. I have to be extremely careful when releasing moths from the traps, as they haunt my footsteps. One false move on my part and they pounce on some poor unsuspecting moth. In early November the nights were freezing but we had lovely sunny days and I enjoyed the high pitched squeaks of the Long-tailed Tits all around me – quite unmistakeable once you get your ear in. We do not feed the birds at all in the summer months, but …
[Read more...]

Firstly, I must correct a typing error of mine from last months’ article. I stated that we leave our rams in for 3 heat cycles – not on your nelly! 2 heat cycles is long enough otherwise I could be lambing for ever. The rams time is nearly up and their job done for another year. We will take them out this week and put all the in lamb ewes back together. The rams will spend some time back together in a small pen before letting them back out in the field. Even though they live together for most of the year in harmony, after being split up and …
[Read more...]

Last month I talked of the imminent process of putting the rams in. Well the job is done and the boys seem to be relishing their task. The rams were certainly ready to work as they started to smell distinctly “rammy” – a smell I cannot really describe other than quite vile! Their top lips were curling up and heads very much poised as they could certainly smell that ewes close by were coming into season. Getting the rams and the ewes in good condition prior to mating is so important – fit but not fat. Before putting the rams in with the ewes, …
[Read more...]