Introducing our correspondent…
I live in rural Shropshire with my husband Martin. We have about four acres of land and keep horses, a donkey, two ancient tups and half a dozen hens. Alongside these we have two dogs, and a rescue cat called Nellie. Nellie has been the inspiration for our business - Nellie's Patch – where we grow our own herbs and flowers that we use in our palm oil free soaps, and for wedding work.
Julie Lyons, 2011
Julie writes:
The first day of December, and what a change from this time last year. Today we have lovely sunshine, birds chirping like its spring and some shrubs shooting. This is so different from December 2010, when we had snow, ice and lots of wood being used up on the wood burner! Being a bit of a traditionalist, the snow did make it feel Christmassy, but I shouldn’t complain, hauling buckets after buckets of water to the animals because the outside taps were frozen was no fun.
As is the case with each winter, (since we took more of our land for growing herbs and flowers for our business) I use the sand school as turnout for the horses and donkey. I realise I am very fortunate to have this, as it saves having poached fields and muddy hooves. I put up a hay net and give them some chopped bucket feed, and they are fine. The sand school is elevated overlooking the flood plain, so they get plenty to look at.
Our two ancient tups continue to munch around the fields on their own, rarely taking cover in their galvanised iron shelter. They will get a bit of hard feed, and hay if the weather changes. At about ten years old they are still looking really healthy, with their regular hoof trims, and worming regime. They are huge animals; George is a Texel, and Timmy a Suffolk. My friend has some Southdown’s, and they appear so much easier to handle!
The hens are enjoying their annual forage around the polytunnel, herb and flower beds. We let them do this each autumn and winter, and I do think our slug population is decreased. I would love some ducks, but after watching River Cottage and seeing them munch their way through all the salad veg, have decided not to have any at present.
We had our little cocker bitch Daisy spayed ten days ago, though the thought of pups was very appealing, reality struck home, and we knew we just don’t have time. Daisy has recovered very quickly, today being a landmark day in her progress; the “lampshade” has come off! No more bumping into walls and furniture, and on that note, she does sound quiet, better finish here and check she isn’t getting into any mischief. Happy Christmas.
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