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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…
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Sustainably Grown Bulrushes
Our sustainably grown bulrushes are nearing the point of harvest for cut stems for immediate use in arrangements or for those who dry them for interior design / decor. Stems are hand harvested to order so can be cut to order at any length stipulated (normally between 60cm and 90cm) and cost £10 for 10…
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Rain Continues
It’s still very wet out there but the farm walk is open. The ponds are full of wildlife with ducklings and moorhen chicks all over the place. You might catch a glimpse of the Barn Owl, Heron or Kestrel but our resident Buzzard is likely to be about keeping an eye on you. Bring a…
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Training Field Open
The farm walk at Hesketh Bank is still a bit too wet to reopen but it should dry quickly if it ever stops raining. Watch this space. BUT – if a big grass paddock is what you need, the ‘dog training field’ on Becconsall Lane has been mowed and is available to book for sole…
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First Mow Of The Year
After 8 months of endless rain we took advantage of the recent dry spell and risked getting the mower out. There weren’t that many places fit to mow but the paddock managed to get its first cut of the year so is declared open for the season (unless it gets another prolonged downpour). Ideal for…