The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Community => Coffee Lounge => Topic started by: little blue on June 29, 2010, 08:23:32 pm

Title: what a lovely day...
Post by: little blue on June 29, 2010, 08:23:32 pm
...had by all today at The Chestnut Conservation Centre in the High Peak.

Seen 4 types of otter, loads of owls (including a Hedwig!) vixens, roe deer - all ages, Scottish wildcats, polecats, pine marten and a bucket of dead chicks they were having for dinner!

The guide was brilliant - and very good with the clientele we took.  nice man, who wants to keep goats so a friend for life!!

Great value for £, though not "hands on" so be prepared to look at lots of wire - but can get v close.

Recommend the guided tour, so you know what you're looking for, if you dont read signs!

 :D
Title: Re: what a lovely day...
Post by: Roxy on June 29, 2010, 08:31:39 pm
Just up the road from us - we ride along the lanes next to the Chestnut Centre.  Often see the little deer in the fields as we pass by!!

I am soooo jealous of a friend of mine, as she has just got a job as a guide there.  Its the sort of place I would like to work.
Title: Re: what a lovely day...
Post by: little blue on June 29, 2010, 08:42:37 pm
its great, though I was abit concerned that the cages weren't that big.  but they're obviously within the regulations.
I kept my eye out for a field with goats and a llama, from the bus window...  but didnt know you're that close!
Title: Re: what a lovely day...
Post by: Roxy on June 29, 2010, 08:48:00 pm
We are a few miles further on, but across the fields where we ride, its very close!!!

Yes, I think people have an image of the animals all running free, and sadly thats not so.  Suppose they would all fly, swim, run away though.  The people who run it are very knowledgeable, and I am sure the livestock are well cared for.
Title: Re: what a lovely day...
Post by: Wizard on June 29, 2010, 10:00:56 pm
"For a roll in the hay" as Ken Dodd would say :farmer:
Title: Re: what a lovely day...
Post by: Sandy on June 29, 2010, 11:09:30 pm
Love a nice day out!!!too far from us here/
Title: Re: what a lovely day...
Post by: Roxy on June 30, 2010, 12:38:43 am
If you are ever in Derbyshire, its worth visiting, Sandy, we have some lovely places here to go.