Wildlife
-
Swallows
Swallows have been nesting in the sheds here since before I moved here. At that time the sheds were cowsheds and open hay storage barns so it was easy access for the swallows. These dilapidated sheds had to be replaced for workshops. Naturally when the swallows appeared the following summer from their winter in Africa (lucky swallows!) they expected to use their homes as normal. I had to refuse my workshop to them as they do make such a mess it would mark the wood forever. Huw, however, was more than happy to share his workshop space so we cut a slit in the the wall (box profile zinc on…
-
The Sap is Rising
This time of year is so wonderful yet intense, isn’t it? The sap is rising, the garden is getting sorted, everything is growing, the birds are nesting, the days, though getting longer, are way too short. I can hardly drag myself in from the garden before dark but then I’m so exhausted in the morning it is hard to drag myself out of bed. I have a wonderful commission with the wood turning so that has to take priority. When I feel I can allow myself to stop it is straight out to the garden. I can see the vegetable garden as I am wood turning which is both wonderful and…
-
Swimming With Seals
I couldn’t believe it when I ended up swimming with seals. Near me is a beautiful little cove. It is at least twenty minutes walk and since the path down the cliff at the end of that is very steep with hairpin bends it is usually deserted. At high tide it is just rocks but there is a small beach when the tide has gone out. There are old worn steps carved into the slate rock helping the descent. Who created them a long time ago? Smugglers, maybe? When I haven’t been working this year I have been busy in the garden so I haven’t been swimming once in the sea. 21st…