Blackthorn blossom

 

Blackthorn is common in local hedgerows where we live. And it is now blossoming. Hopefully we will have a good crop of sloes in the autumn.

Taking the goats to the library

 

On Saturday 21st March 2026, we took Nettle (one of our milking goats) and one of her babies to Whickham Library fair. This has become something of a tradition for us. They help raise money for the library. As usual, they got a great deal of attention and helped draw people into the library.

Chewing on ash

 

Someone near our allotment has chopped down 2 ash trees. The goats are loving the branches and the bark.

Spring has arrived

 

You know when spring has arrived - the rhubarb shoots are growing. It's looking like it will be a good crop again.

Eggs galore!

 

Our hens normally stop laying from October to January. This year has been different. They stopped laying in November and 2 weeks later they started again. This has left us with a large surplus of eggs. We are thumbing our way through recipe books for ideas on how to use them.

Lambs looking great

 

Our 4 lambs born last year are looking great. Note the orange colouring on their backs, indicating they've been mated by the ram.

First babies of the year

 

A bit earlier than expected but Nettle had three kids this morning - 2 boys and a girl. Kids and mum are doing well.