Hi

I'm going to try and keep updating this page with what we have been up to lately but if there is a gap, don't think we haven't done anything........we've just been too busy doing it to update this page!!

there is a gallery at the bottom of the page so do scroll down.

August.......

whoops, where does the summer go? I never seem to have time to sit and do anything. BUT I have just booked myself on a course to learn more about "social media" so I might move this area onto a Facebook or Twitter page instead...........they seem far better designed to operate  daily (well at least weekly in my case!)

Going to go and do some more gardening now while the sun is out, last time it shone we did manage to make hay! 

April 2010 (again!)

We were very honoured last night to receive an award - The Whitegrove Trophy, awarded in recognition of our contribution to the conservation of wildlife and landscape, in combination with efficient farm management. This is presented by FWAG (farming and wildlife advisory group) and sponsored by the Birmingham Agricultural society. see photos below

April 2010

Spring is finally forcing it's way here, the fresh coloured spring flowers are valiantly showing their faces, the trees are just about bursting with life, the birds have been singing their hearts out for a while. I keep thinking about planting something else in my veg patch but the soil is still a bit on the "claggy" side. I could sew some seeds in trays in the greenhouse but that would mean having to bar the chickens and they do so love to go and have a dust bath in there. 

February 2010

Look who I spotted in the garden hunting for his dinner just (see photos below) a very fine specimen of Sparrowhawk - I hope the sparrows were hiding!

January 2010

SNOW, snow and more snow.............then just slightly freezing temperatures, we had -12C one morning, no wonder all the ducks and chickens kept hopping from one foot to the other to try and keep warm!

do scroll down to have a look at some pictures of the snow, it is pretty, but I'm getting a bit bored with having to keep clearing the drive - still it's cheaper than going to the gym and just as effective I'm sure .

December 2009

It's not often I get excited about an exhibition at a museum (I'm more of a doer than viewer!) BUT I just heard we're getting the "Saffordhire Hoard" on display at the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery from 13th February to 7th March 2010. Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Birmingham City Council are currently trying to raise the funds to buy the treasure of 1800 pieces that was valued at £3.3m to have a permanent exhibition here. However I for one am going to make time to see it while it is deffinately here! 

November 2009

We would like to thank you, our customers for helping on the "green" front........ this year we have only been filling one bin with non recyclable waste (instead of two in previously years) we hope our provision of easy to use recycling facilities has helped but it is still all you that have done it, well done!!

September 2009

where does the time fly to? and more to the point what happened to our "barbeque summer"? We did have some fine weather during August when we finally managed to make hay for our mischievous little cows, who have found all the weak spots in our fences and gone out visiting! I shan't mention that in a couple of weeks though, when we have a group coming from Natural England to have a look around the ground.

We went to the Fox and Goose last night to say farewell to the landlord and lady who are moving onto pastures new, we wish them the best of luck. Looking forward to trying out the menu from the new chef who is reputed to be very good, will keep you posted as and when.

June 2009

Our new cows have finally arrived, two pretty little Dexter crosses. These we have bought specially to graze the field we bought last summer. This field had been negleted for some time and needed a good grazing regime to maintain the diverse grassland habitats. Some of thes habitats are tiny, restricted to the sunny side of a single anthill (see photos) It is a wonderful spot to just sit and watch, regulary visited by buzzards who appear to be nesting somewhere near.

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  Whitegrove Trophy presentation

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  Whitegrove Trophy

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  Whitegrove Certificate

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  Sparrow Hawk

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  Sparrow Hawk

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  icy lake

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  ducks in ice

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  icy canal

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  iced in boat

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  ant hills

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  ant hill

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  new cows