Where to begin? So much has happened and so much still to do.
Over 170 water voles were released on our land at Lower Cann Orchard in September. Everything went to plan and monitoring of the site since then indicates that the creatures have adapted quite well to the new habitat. We will carry on monitoring through next year and also keeping a sharp eye open for any sign of the dreaded mink!
Monitoring at our other water vole release location along Bude Canal indicates that the voles set free up at the Weir have established feeding territory as far down as Rodds Bridge so keep an eye open if you are walking in the area. It is always useful to get details of vole sightings via our e-mail team@westlandcs.co.uk.
Dennis and Shaun have been hard at work on the Commons restoring the old wall supporting the tree bank along the track just after the stream crossing at the bottom of the hill. We think that this wall, along with the one along the western boundary, may date back to the 17th century so both certainly do deserve to be preserved and restored. You can see from the photo that the work is well advanced – and probably finished by the time you read this in December.
The other major task has been moving all the breeding ewes to our land at Upton and then taking the three rams over for introduction in November. All this was achieved without too many problems although Pip, our Balwen ram, was not too keen on leaving his field here at Kilk. Dennis and Shaun managed to “assist” him to the trailer with a little help from JohnD.
The rams and ewes are now altogether at Upton and we have brought some of the younger or non-breeding sheep back to the Common for the winter. You will see two Gotland ewe lambs, two Jacob ewes that are too old now to breed (we think!) and a paid of Balwen lambs – one ewe and one wether ram. The wether is known fondly as “Puffing Billy” because he has had a breathing difficult since birth that sees him very short of breath if forced to run around. So a quiet life on the Common is now his to enjoy.
A roundup of other news includes the fact that we are now part of the team supporting the Devon Wildlife beaver project near Roadford. The pair of beavers in the enclosure there have just bred for the first time and our support will provide more capability to monitor and learn from the project over the next three years.
The art project is well underway and more news on this subject come the spring. and in the spring we will definitely be holding our charity “garage” (actually container) sale in the WGP car park.
We had hoped to have a famous Russian lady harpist here to give a Christmas concert but other engagements and logistics have prevented her appearance this year. Instead we are running a Christmas raffle with all proceeds dedicated to the upkeep of Kilkhampton Common. Look out for details in the village. Prizes will be on display in the picture-framing shop by kind permission of the new owners – Jon and Becky.
Have a very Happy Christmas and New Year.
See you on the Common – probably walking off the Christmas festivities!
John Duncan