Saturday 20 August 2011

Tupping time



147 days until the beginning of January . . . time to put the rams in with our January lambing flock of sheep so we will have yummy lamb ready for Easter. This year we have worked with our vet Adelle, to try and get all the ewes into season all at the same time. This means that the rams are VERY busy for 24hours and lambing is very intense over a few days, but will not go on for weeks. Another advantage is that we are around 24/7 to help, if they need it. Watch and listen to the video above.

More to follow

Camilla, Roly, Molly, Boris and Belle

Monday 8 August 2011

Buzzing wildflower meadows



Recently the wildflower meadows have been absolutely covered with honey bees and other pollinators and insects, which is brilliant for the birds along with the seed heads. The photos above were kindly taken and sent to us by Steve and Viv Moll who have their bee hives adjacent to the meadows and produce delicous honey see www.brightwellbees.co.uk The photos are honeybees on Cranesbill, Field scabious, Knapweed and Spear thistle.

Talking of buzzing insects, Roly stumbled upon two wasps nest whilst out checking the sheep last week, resulting in 8 stings, ouch, as well as shutting his finger in the truck door whilst trying to escape!

More soon

Camilla, Roly, Molly, Boris and Belle

Monday 1 August 2011

More ram power



Roly has just got home having been to buy a new Charolais ram for our flock. We are going to call him 'Ted' and he thinks he is the bees knees!

He is spending the next few weeks in the orchard until it is time to meet his lady's in three weeks time. He joins a team of 8 rams (5 Texel, 1 Charolais, 1 Hartline, 1 Lleyn), where he will be replacing Harvey our other Charolais ram who is getting a bit of an old boy.

We will keep you posted on his time with us.

From Camilla, Roly, Molly, Belle and Boris