We have had about 20 calves born during the month, thank goodness only 2 have had to go to the hunt kennels. This has been a quiet month with only a few days of hot weather, Good for the BBQ but not enough to make hay yet. So on with cleaning out sheds, carting muck, fencing and general maintenance.

Most of our crops are looking very well and seem to be fairly free of weeds and diseases - so far so good with the organics!

I feel privileged to go to look at my young cattle each day in what must be some of the last unsprayed meadows in the area, not only do they contain interesting herbs, plants and other wildlife, but, lording over all is, what is said to be the largest Sessile Oak in the country. This grand old tree is 32 feet in circumference, is said to weigh 85 tons and to produce 8 million leaves a year!

One of the visitors to our caravan site got up one morning and was amazed to see an Otter playing a few feet away, in the river. We have encouraged Otters here for a very long time , but they are quite shy so she was very lucky.

The 6 miles of field margins that we have planted (this is all part of an environmental scheme called Farm Stewardship) are all growing well. I am told that they are good fun to ride round! I have been using them too as new walking routes. On one I found some deer slots (hoof prints) Fallow deer - unusual on this farm.