Height Top Farm Holiday Cottages

I have got so behind with my blog that it's difficult to know where to start. We've done a lot of work on our new orchard and the trees seem to be doing quite well. We do have more work planned over the next few months and should start to see the benefits next summer. The vegetables have been better this year. We learnt not to plant everything at once. The greenhouse has been cleaned and is now acting as a drying room for the compressed paper logs. They are burning quite hot for at least two hours and all for free except a little effort. Adding a small amount essential oil gives a lovely scent when they are burning.
Kens little owl is dividing time between the trees and hedgrow and the polytunnel! It doesn't fly away when Ken goes in there.
We rescued our first hedgehog of the year from deep in the cattle grid set it in the field and away it went.

Height Top Farm Holiday Cottages
This delicate aquilegia seems to be no worse for wear after the dry winds we've been having and the cart looks like it's survived as well.

Height Top Farm Holiday Cottages
We were absolutely delighted with our GTBS Gold Award which was presented to us by the High Sheriff of Lancashire. Thanks to Hetty for her help and encouragement and to Barrie for his work on our website.

Height Top Farm Holiday Cottages

We watched a pair of curlews in the early evening yesterday, but couldn't get a picture of them together. This is the best I could do.
This morning the swallows have arrived and are flying in and out of the cow shed looking very busy.

Height Top Farm

Our guests in Mrs. Wagtails have spotted a Buzzard and a Jay over the glorious sunny weekend.

Height Top Farm Holiday Cottages

This glorious sunshine is just too much for some of us. Hope no one sees me having a nap in the hayrack!

We're all taking in the sun today! I went to feed the fish in the garden pond and look who jumped out.
Height Top Farm Holiday cottages

Height Top Farm Holiday Cottages
All the trees in the new orchard are in bud and looking good.

Height Top Farm Holiday Cottages

I've been trying to photograph this hare for days but it only seems to appear when I have two bottles in my hands feeding lambs and not able to get my camera out.
Got it! Last night whilst taking the dog for it's last walk of the day.

One of the triplets that we are having to bottle feed.
Height Top Farm Holiday Cottages

Return visitors are always welcome!
Height Top Farm Holiday Cottages.

Height Top Farm
An incredible moon last night. the colour hasn't shown as yellow as it really was.

Height Top Farm
Had a really good day today at Stephen Park, Gisburn Forest. THE BOWLAND EXPERIENCE TRAMPER TRAINING. The training will enable us to use the tramper from "home" should we have suitable routes to follow. It will also allow us to plan routes for our guests. It's an excellent way for people who may find it difficult to get out and see what our AONB has to offer. It can be used by anyone with limited mobility be it long or short term, young or old and I have to say it can be fun and is highly recommended. Being a member of Bowland Experience means that we are able to book the tramper for use by our guests. Can't wait for someone to use it from here!

Height Top Farm
Today has been very spring like even for Height Top! I have seen all of these birds in the garden and feeding from the table today. Siskins, Goldfinches, Blue tits, Starlings and Chaffinch. We have been repairing the boundary fence this afternoon and disturbed a cock pheasant. We also saw two curlews. Not too bad to say that we weren't really looking.

This mule sheep was our first to lamb this year. Hopefully she'll show the texel how it's done!

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We have made a start on the small orchard and bigger vegetable garden. Plum, Cherry, Pear and Apple now in.

Tortoise in disguise or Fungi?

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I'm not sure what this is but it's certainly very colourful!

It seems or actually is so long since I've posted anything on my blog. Not much of an excuse but the weather hasn't been too good for photographs. Anyway here's one from the early snow. As you will see it's Kens little owl, becoming braver as he grows.