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 ?!
We had a light covering of snow today and it transformed the landscape. This photo was taken just outside the back door of the cottage.
The area is called the Rother Levels with the River Rother meandering through the valley. The farthest side is the county of East Sussex and the nearest side is Kent. Nonetheless a fanastic viewpoint. The sheep don’t seem to mind the cold weather and its a great opportunity to see different types of birds. The cold weather seems to drive the seabirds in from the coastline.
15 12 08
The cottage is being decorated for Christmas this week. I try to only use natural materials found on the farm. For the Holly wreath, this year I found some lovely white/green holly (not sure what its called) and mixed in some ivy. There are no berries on the Holly so I have added some pine cones.
A Yule Log is an old tradition which the old farmer would have had in the cottage many years ago. There are lots of reeds in the ponds as well so, with them, some holly and ivy I have added some small arrangements around the living rooms. We have created some small notes for each of these creations which are interesting for all visitors especially the children. If anyone has any other ideas for Christmas decorations, let me know!
12 12 08
Fantastic morning on the Farm with a fine frost covering the fields. Fog hangs in the valley and gradually lifts through the morning.
The clients in the cottage are nice and warm by a roaring fire in the living room. Peace and quiet all round.
Shame I have to go to work!
09 12 08
This was taken about 4pm looking towards Wittersham. Really good colours in the background with the rooks nesting high up in the trees.
This is a busy rookery often with 100′s of birds in this area, its an amazing sight when you see them all fly off together. This is in the Wildlife album in the Cottage. I think I shall start a collection of Sunset photos as well.
10 11 08
Ploughing up the fields before the cold winter sets in. You can see all the work carried out from the cottage. There are 200 or more acres of farmland here and very often you see the tractors going up and down the fields. The seagulls soon appear behind them. This is one of the areas we explore on our Country Tours.
25 10 08
Before the action started. Got a good fire going without matches, which was a great achievement. Everyone including Mum had a go and we all enjoyed some hot soup with a wonderful view. Great time.
