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Nature Diary
Nature notes from the Rustical Farm Walk in Hesketh Bank 3rd January 2026First decent frost. Two barn owls watching the world go by from their box. 1st January 20267 Widgeon up from bottom pond. Tiny Wren in hedgerow. 28th December 202530ish Swans overhead heading inland, rabbit, stoat on path near Orchard gate, three Mallard off…
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Secure Dog Training & Exercise Field at Hesketh Bank available.
It’s been a while since our paddock has been available but it will become available to licence from 14th Jan 2026. More details are available here
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Nature Notes November 25
A lonely looking Wood Mouse found on a path. It looked very sorry for itself so it was moved to the warmth and shelter of a composting pile of brash and garden waste. 3rd Nov: A new one for me which google lens identified as the very aptly named Orange Peel Fungus (Aleuria aurantia). 6th…
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Nature Notes October 25
4th – The hare that seems to not really mind sharing the space with the dogs was caught short on the bottom path. Rather than run, it chose to swim across the pond which was a first for me to witness. Not particularly graceful but faster than you would expect. Sorry, no photo or video…
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Nature Notes September 25
Moorhen chick on shed pond spotted and is doing well. Another flush of dragonflies noted. Frequent low flying Pinkfoot geese. 6th Two hollowed out hedgehogs found on paths. Ponds have a slight increase in water level after rain. Like all the other fruit and nut trees on the plot, the sweet chestnuts are also having…
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Nature Notes August 25
Single newly hatched moorhen chick spotted on Shed pond (6th Aug).Cormorant diving on Scrapes (4th Aug)2nd hatch of Barn Owls now flying but returning to box. No shortage of voles being brought in. Frogs noted as far less than usual.Cabbage white butterflies in abundance. Brassica’s covered in caterpillarsGeese noisily moving overhead, up and down River…
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Teasel Tuesday
Today was the day to begin prepping all of the dried teasels from last year in readiness for the wreath making season. Each teasel is cleaned and shaken by hand to release any remaining seeds which are then used for sowing more plants and for bird food. Goldfinches just love teasels and descend on our…
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Frosty Morning Walk
The first decent frost of the year made for a nice walk around the farm this morning. Betty and Mabel ran themselves daft chasing all the overnight smells that always seem more intense on a frosty morning.
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Dog Field Availability
Update: Now taken Available from 3rd November 2024 – A one acre grass paddock at Becconsall Lane, Hesketh Bank. Fully fenced and perfect for sole use dog training and exercise. Grass mowing and hedge cutting is included in price of £100 per calendar month. Suitable for a private individual or professional dog walker / dog…
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Growing Firewood – 2024 update
Following on from our 2019 update about our less than scientific ‘growing your own’ firewood trial, it was time to harvest the same stools again so thought it worthy of another post. This hybrid willow stool pictured below is on its third cut since planting and was last harvested five years ago. The brash is…