The new heifer calf was born early on Friday 18th December and the two Fell ponies (Ascot and Bee) arrived today.
Month: December 2015
Volunteering Saturday 12th December
Here’s what we did:
The weather forecast for heavy and persistent rain proved to be correct but nevertheless 5 volunteers gathered for the Monthly Saturday session.
We cleared leaves:
- From the shed roof to protect the sedum which is doing really well.
- From the area around the shed
- From the track between Sunnyside Lane and the Orchard.
The bund around Alder Pond was strengthened with sods to stop the water overflowing and encourage it to go down the drain.
The hedge between the Orchard and Orchard House was tidied after an Associate Volunteer had one good work pruning the hedge and clearing the area.
Orienteering post number 5 was restored to its proper position.
The holly obstructing access to the south notice board in the Orchard was cut back.
We called it a day at 11.30.
Jay and Kestrel
This jay was seen in the Orchard yesterday at 2.00 p.m.
The kestrel was over School Pond ten minutes later.
Surprising results
I had feared that we might get swallowed up by the marshes after all the rain. But although there is a lot more standing water then usual all of us managed to keep our wellies on. The flush count began very well. A record 15 snipe flew out from the Hay Meadow marsh. Upper Sowerholme yielded another four (about par for the course). But then we only found 15 in School Pond and 13 in Big Meadow. The overall total of 47 – all common – was down on this time last year, but comparable with two winters ago. And no woodcock (yet?)… in fact no other birds of note.