SPRING, SUMMER and into WINTER 2012

APRIL 2012

Well, here I am again playing catch up.  Despite the dreadful weather that we have all experienced and are still having this year it has been a very busy few months for us, hence my failure to keep you posted with all that has been happening down on the farm.

In April many of my guests had wonderful sightings of the Otters - early April view of Mum and 2 cubs from Lower hide at dusk on Leighton Moss - end of April 5 Otters seen crossing the causeway near the public hide.

Guests have been delighted to watch the sheer variety of birds on our feeders just outside dining room window whilst having breakfast, including wonderful view of  a pair of Bullfinches.  Late April brought sightings of an Osprey catching fish.

MAY 2012

Numerous sightings of Red Deer and Roe Deer heard barking in Deepdale Woods.  Alas, I was not lucky enough to have heard the Cuckoo this year - I expect all the rain had dampened its spirits!  However, all the moisture had certainly produced beautiful spring flowers including wonderful clumps of Cowslips in the hedgerows of our meadows.

JUNE 2012

Every day just seemed to bring rain and more rain which continued for most of the month which brought problems for us on the farm with gathering our winter fodder.  However, somehow we managed to get our Silo between deluges but unfortunately no traditional hay bales as we never had 5 dry, fine days together. 

The weather also had catastrophic effects on our family life as our daughter was due to have her Wedding Reception in a marquee on our farm on 23rd June.  Unfortunately, on 22nd June there was a terrible gale and at 4.30 pm it blew the marquee down and we were left with the problem of 120 guests arriving and no venue!  Leighton Hall very kindly came to the rescue and let us decamp there and a wonderful day was had by all,

Early June Osprey still being sighted catching fish.  Brown Hares sighted nearly every day in our Crow Ashes field.  Avocets and chicks seen by the dozen also Spoonbill and Egret at Eric Morecambe hide.  Marsh Harrier seen from Grisedale Hide.  Male Bullfinch on our feeders again.  Otters seen before breakfast by guests, Mum and 2 cubs at Lower Hide - March Harriers and Barn Owl at dusk.