Another day, another job on the Farm. On a clear, still day we climbed the roof of the barn for some urgent repair work. My architect has told me it is important to protect the very old timber frames from the elements for when the Barn is converted. Over th years the iron has gone rusty and holes have appeared in the corrugated sheets. It is thought that in years past the Barn roof would have been covered in old clay tiles.
The guys re- covered the ridge in the afternoon, the very top being 7 metres high. I was told the views at the top were spectacular. Oh well, I had to take the photograph and hold the ladder. 
Three week later the eggs hatch and we have some small chicks. Four tiny young birds were soon to fly from this nest. Many of you staying in the cottage were interested to know if they survived. Thanks for all those who kept the Bird Table full; the robins were very grateful, obviously.
The birds are vulnerable at this stage in their lives from other birds, particularly magpies. We were also concerned when we found badger tracks in and around the Barn as these animals can take small birds, rabbits and very young lambs.
A walk in the woods. Bluebells are always fascinating to photograph because of the colour contrast. This small area of woodland is on the cottage map of ‘places to see’ whilst staying at Coldharbour Farm, especially this time of year. For those that know its also on the History Tour Quiz. The bluebells seem to be out earlier this year in some parts – a few more days and there will be masses more down on the Cliff Woodland area where the badgers dens are.
It may be Easter but these are very special eggs. I found this nest in between some old timber beams in the Barn. There are 5 of them and they are oval and about an inch long. They are shiny white with brownish red spots. These birds are famous for nesting in all kinds of unlikely locations, old tubs, boots, old farm machinery – just about anywhere that affords shelter. The birds are very sensitive and will leave the nest if they think they have been discovered. So at the moment the Barn is out of bounds ! – lets just hope in a few days time we have 5 little baby robins.
An amazing sight it is too. They are everywhere this year, along the banks of ditches is a favourite place, they like moist ground and thrive amongst bushes, thorns and daffodils. Signals the arrival of Spring and the beginning of lighter evenings. Take a walk and you will always find something different, thats what is so good about this place.
Pied Wagtails are everywhere and fascinating to watch this week. They are always on the move so its difficult to get a good photograph. They seek out small insects in the grass and they like to perch up high on the roof in direct sunlight to keep warm. This particular one spent over 20 minutes preening. Feathers need particular attention as they provide insulation to keep the body warm so need to be constantly inspected and cleaned of dust and dirt. On our County Tours operated from the cottage we do try not only to spot the different birds and animals but also observe their fascinating behaviour.
The shepherd has not been well. With over 200 sheep on the Farm to check every morning he is sorely missed. Whatever the weather, come rain, wind, sunshine or even snow the sheep have to be looked after. I receive instructions and off I go every morning doing the rounds. I am certainly not an expert but have been told to look for signs of sheep limping, walking slower than usual or stuck in the brambles. Its more involved than you think and then you have to count them – but they keep moving ! Was that 60 in that field or 58 ? and so on. In the end I draft in help from the willing guests staying in the cottage. All part of the fun of staying on a working Farm.
This is a photo of some Hazel catkins which I took today – I am thinking this is early in the year to see so many. Although spring is several weeks away the first signs are there to see. Given all the snow, wind and rain we have had just recently it is remarkable that the catkins haven’t all blown away. What you see here are the male golden tassels and they rely on the wind to transfer pollen to the small female reddish flowers – coming soon !
Today we have had some more snow. A blanket of white stretches across the fields almost picture perfect. This photo of the old barn on the Farm captures the wintry scene. This building is over 200 years old and contains the original timber beams. If you come to stay on the Farm I will show you around this wonderful old building. For the last few mornings between first light and about 9am it seems to be a favourite place for the kestrel. Often seen high up on the Barn roof on the look out for prey. An amazing sight. I’m trying to get a photo of this bird but you have to be very quick, they don’t seem to stay still for very long.
A snowfall makes excellent tracking. When I spent time with Ray Mears in the Arctic and then again in the desert of Namibia he used to describe it as the ‘daily newspaper’. At the end of the day we used to mark out an area. The next morning we would get up at first light and record all the footprints and marks. So much can be learnt from direction, depth and size of prints. Its an excellent way to learn tracking and something we try to do on our Country Tours. You will be surprised what you can learn – any clues to what these footprints show ?!
