Sunday 10 October 2010

Nothing Exciting

I can't believe it is a whole month since I last posted anything on my blog so here is a quick round up of whats been going on.

I have now finished off my reptile survey and all 20 refuges have been removed leaving the site clear for the return of the ponies...I am so looking forward to having them back:-) I have been quite pleased with the results of the survey having seen lots of slow worms, common lizards and their off-spring but unfortunately no snakes. The lizard in the picture decided to sit on top of one of the refuges instead of underneath.

We have continued to help with the Old Surrey Downs Project and have recently assisted with the separating of the lambs and ewes. Neither seemed especially bothered at being separated from each other although I found it quite sad. The lambs are now being distributed to the various sites for conservation grazing and we have given the ewes that will be put with the ram a bit of an m.o.t. and they are now enjoying some good grazing to prepare them for another pregnancy.


The garden has been producing an abundance of fruit and veg but, as usual, too much to keep up with so we've given lots away. It has been a particularly good year for our apples so those that were less than perfect have been thrown over the fence into the field for any wild animals to enjoy. This picture shows a young roe deer tucking in to them

We always seem to get this glut of vegetables around this time and then nothing for the winter/spring so this year we have bought a small poly tunnel for the veg plot in the hope that we can actually manage to grow some things over the winter months ready for spring, although, apart from cabbages, I'm not sure what else to try at the moment.

Lastly little Ginger guinea pig had to be put to sleep a couple of weeks ago. He was the surprise package from Gemma one of the other guinea pigs shortly after we had got them. We went to bed with two guinea pigs and woke up to find three. He was a lovely 2" bundle of ginger fluff but grew rapidly to become a very handsome and cheeky piggy. Luckily Gemma, the only guinea pig left now, doesn't seem upset at being alone so I don't feel we need to get another one to keep her company but I will really miss him as he was such a big character.




9 comments:

Lesley said...

Hi Helen. Sorry I've been a while in posting but we're in the midst of a housemove (to take place on the 1st November). I'm going to have to catch up with everyone.

I'm so sorry to hear about Ginger. Aww, her photograph is lovely. I wasn't going to contemplate having anymore pets once our old dogs go, but I might consider a guinea pig. They're so sweet. I hope Gemma is still coping well without her guinea pig friends.

The photographs are lovely and I soooooo envy you having a polytunnel. I hope it gives you lots of pleasure... and lots of lovely things to eat. :D

Lesley said...

Hi Helen. You have an award at my blog. Hope you have a good weekend. :D

Helen said...

Hi Lesley..I've just been reading your blog..sounds like things will be pretty hectic for you for a while but good luck with everything.

Helen said...

Hi again Lesly. Thanks for the award..my first:-)

Lesley said...

Helen, you can save the picture of the award and put it on your blog page if you want. No obligation though. :)

Helen said...

Hi Lesley..thanks I will do that and do the 8 things about myself but not sure I have 10 blogs to also nominate and haven't much time to think about it. I have an OU assessment to do as the deadline is next week. I have been putting it off for so long that now I have forgotten loads of what the assessment is on so I am franticly reading books and watching DVDs:)

Lesley said...

Just save it for another time Helen, it's not compulsory anyway. :) Unlike your OU assessments.... I know what that's like! I usually put mine off for as long as possible and end up submitting them within minutes of the deadline. It's a lovely feeling of relief hitting that submit button. :D Good luck with it.

Helen said...

Hi Lesley...HOORAY..I've just finished the assessment but I'm ashamed to say it's taken me all day. I've had quite a few coffee/chocolate/cheese breaks though:))

Lesley said...

Yippeee! How I know that feeling. :O) It doesn't matter how long it took.... and you can cut down on the coffee, chocolate and cheese tomorrow! :D