As I write this in mid-March, spring is pretty much fully wound up but not yet quite sprung. A welcome spell of dry but very cold weather has given way to yet more rain. We hope this is only a passing deluge!
Dennis, occasionally helped (hindered?) by John and Neil has done sterling work spreading stone on the remaining muddy areas of the various footpaths. Have you noticed how the stone that you wanted is always situated a long way from the place that you want to use it? Sod’s law I think. At least we can continue the fine Cornish tradition of mining our stone on site rather than having to pay to bring it in from an outside source. Very sustainable too. Dennis’s red Chinese tractor now has a rival in the green Japanese quad bike – both help greatly in the task of getting work done quickly and safely.
Generally the livestock has come through the winter very well. The two Jacob sheep (Baah and Burhhh) have been a little stiff and limping on the coldest days, but this must be expected in two such venerable old ladies (in sheep years at least). The Balwen and Gotland sheep have been living the life of Reilly needed down on soft straw and fed twice a day in Dennis’s sheds. I image that it will take some effort to get them back out of doors again come the warmer weather. Pip the Balwen ram and his ladies have spent a comfortable time in the stable field and the pattering of tiny lamb’s feet should (we hope!) brighten up the first weeks of April. Summer, Trinity, Piper and Bonnet (the pony gang) are in fine health and all ready for a busy time as the weather improves. Piper (the brown and white gelding) is due to rider training.
The wildlife is certainly stirring. Butterflies are flying, the bees are starting to fly and Neil spotted this a seven-stop ladybird in the hedge at the top of the hill.
Away from the Commons, Westland Countryside Stewards is champing at bit waiting for various licensing authorities to get their act together and give the green light to the water vole release on Bude Marshes. We are also now part of the committee (hate that word!) looking into the release of six European Beavers on the Mevagissey River to provide natural flood control above the town. And in order to improve our stock of grazing land and hay making capacity, we have taken back the 12 acres of pasture that we own at Upton, near Bude. We also have a new bailing machine and tedder on order from Robert Cole in Holsworthy.
Finally, we have a mystery animals loose on the Commons. Generally spotted quite early in the morning but not yet photographed, several people have now seen what is generally assumed to be a small dog. But it never has an owner in attendance and always disappears rapidly from view when it sees people. A number of suggestions include:
- Ghost dog
- Stray dog
- Large cat
- Muntjac deer
- Escaped pot-bellied pig
- Wild board piglet
- Should have gone to SpecSavers
If you can add to this mystery, do let us know!