School visit / SCF Gathering / Sheep moves
Posted: Monday 13 March, 2017
Monday 6th March
Well, it was the weekly skip trip today, mainly stoorie hay. Thank goodness that’s coming to an end.
Mucked out the byre; good stuff coming out of it – a mix of chopped straw, soil and chicken poo, so I’ve made a separate pile for it.
In anticipation of tomorrow’s school visit, moved Nugget, our “feisty” cockerel into an area we won’t be entering.
Found a White Leghorn bloodied this morning; gave her a wash and put her back in the run. I’d guess it was a result of the reestablishment of the pecking order. Hopefully, she’ll be OK.
Tuesday 7th March
School visit today from a P1/2 class from a local primary school; lots of supportive parents and I think we all enjoyed it.
School visit to TAS organised by RHET.
Can recommend it if you want to work with your local community (R.H.E.T. in Scotland can advise).
Wednesday 8th March
Walked the fences at Ravensby. Not perfect but the boundary fences should be perfectly adequate for Ryelands.
Thursday 9th March
Off of Applecross today for the Scottish Crofting Federation Gathering.
Crossed the Beallach – the Pass of the Cattle; single track with passing places and hairpin bends on a 1:4.
Scary. I’m going back the coast road.
Friday 10th / Saturday 11th March
Very interesting and worthwhile time in Applecross.
Two ScotGov ministers spoke – Fergus Ewing and Mike Russell – plus three speakers from Europe and three from UK on the theme of “Crofting’s place in Europe”.
A lot of unease about Brexit and the negative impact that it will have on these remote and fragile communities.
Came back via the Wester Ross Coastal Route via Shieldaig and Kinlochewe. Stunningly beautiful.
Sunday 12th March
Moved the sheep to Ravensby; John (the owner) and Dan did some fencing repairs.
The sheep were too astounded by the amount of grass to move far from the gate.
Sheep arrived and off at Ravensby.
George, the resident Labrador (5 months old), is fascinated. Went for straw.
Dan’s been getting on with the apple tree pruning – he’s almost finished – on target!
