With the evenings drawing in and getting just that little bit colder it’s time to think of the chilly winter nights to come.

The axe was retired quite a few years ago and our new log splitter is doing sterling work splitting (mainly) Ash logs to top up the woodstore.

About the only compensation for seeing our beautiful Ash trees decimated by the horrible Ash Dieback Disease is that we have a large supply of standing firewood that will last for years to come.

Some seven years ago we replanted much of the old orchard that had been “grubbed out” back in the 1960s and 70s. The new trees (all native English varieties) were planted in the traditional 5’s pattern and most have fared well. Not so the wooden tree guards which have rotted and collapsed over the years making the trees vulnerable to browsing animals. So sad that in order to “save the environment” proper preservatives can no longer be used and replacements are required in less than half the time they used to be. The solution – install smart new green plastic tree guards……at least the plastic is recycled!

In passing a quick “shout out” for Clarkson’s Farm – hilariously funny whilst highlighting the frustrations and stupidity that farmers have to deal with on a daily basis!   

 Tony, one of our Large Whites, takes a break in the middle of a busy afternoon.

Tony and his “oppos” Gordon (an even larger Large White) , John, David and Boris (all Gloucester Old Spots) have been at Mornacott since Easter and many of our holiday cottage guests love to feed them during the summer season.

The annual Ragwort purge is now underway! This year has seen particularly strong growth of this poisonous invasive weed and the first trailer load was pulled today – never a fun job! Ragwort is poisonous to cattle yet is valued for its nectar which feeds many insect pollinators so this time of year, when the bees have had their fill and just before they turn to seed, is a good time to remove it from fields where stock will graze.  

 Clover Down is one of the most beautiful and secluded places at Mornacott with views from the valley head stretching to Dartmoor on one side and Exmoor on the other.

On the maintenance plan for this summer was the refurbishment of some steps down to the top of it from the Old Droveway. Now nearing completion they will allow easy (and safe!) to the top of the valley.

Wow we can't believe that it's July already! 

The holiday cottage season is in full swing and we have been fortunate to welcome so many lovely guests and their families. 

The first cut of hay and silage has been done and we're hoping for more good weather to get a second cut in. 

July also means that the start of the upcoming shoot season is getting closer.  Typically the birds arrive in the first week of July which means plenty of early starts for the boys as they welcome the birds and settle them into their new pens. 

It will be a few weeks before they start to wander but take care on the lanes as you're never sure what you might find!