2nd November
We planted 18 Sweet Chestnut seeds at home. We had to buy these in as our local Sweet Chestnut trees provided no fertilised fruit. Paul managed, with considerable nervousness, to haul a log or two. In spite of our failure to angle the trail camera on the apples we provided, we were delighted to capture images that give an idea of the numbers of fieldfares as well as some close-ish-up detail of the birds. We also have evidence of the big pond being enjoyed.
Maggie takes the plunge
3rd November
John sets up in competition with a local firm for the title ‘north-east’s leading glaziologist’. First window pane fixed in the shepherd’s hut
6th November
All the large windows are glazed and the hut cleaned out.
11th November
John secured the last pane of glass into the door and we fixed a lock. Close observers might notice that John’s Workmate (not Clare) has given up its supportive role. Many people at this stage would buy a new one. John is working out how to mend it. It’s been a long relationship between the two of them. Clare is wondering if there are deeper implications for her.
14th November
Mel came to help and he and John went for heavy work, moving logs for seating to the Story-telling Circle, levelling one of the entrances to the Pit Wood from the Orchard and excavating huge rocks from paths in the Pit Wood.
15th November
John started work on providing a more accessible route than the Workmate into the shepherds hut. Clare sowed wildflower seeds in part of the area round the hut. Could both of these be considered as accessorising.
First step in the steps
Clare will no doubt check the levels
18th November
The trail camera recorded a hare in the Pit Wood at night.
18th - 20th November
John continued his work on the steps into the shepherd’s hut until two days of rain and a cold caused a temporary halt.
24th November
Clare was keen to see the state of the ponds after the most rain we’ve had since they were dug. She was not disappointed however realised at least one adjustment might have to be made.
As fine a set of steps as you are likely to see - well they will be when they’re finished
One of those stepping stones proves to be a snare and delusion. Now we’ll have to wait for the pond to dry out before we can raise it. Or get very wet.
Clare had thought this one might not fill to any great extent. She is delighted, unusually in this regard, to be proved wrong.
When we first had Liddells, this was where we thought of digging a pond - the land was usually muddy and there was a small gully running away from it into the Pit Wood. We have been surprised that it isn’t filling as well as we had expected. We might have to think about lining it and/or clearing some of the ditches that run towards it.
The largest pond is as full as it can get and water is pouring out of the overflow.
28th November
We’ve been wondering if Woodcock will return to Liddells this year. The first November full moon is referred to as the Woodcock Moon as it coincides with the arrival of these birds, which are of course piloted by Goldcrests. Is anyone else immediately seeing Goldcrests in flying helmet, goggles and with a silk scarf streaming out behind them. Clare is. We are delighted that today Tim saw a Woodcock in the Top Strip. The moon was full on 23rd.
29th November
Shepherd’s hut steps very nearly finished. John is snatching whatever gaps he can in the wild weather.
The steps in the shadow of the step-maker
There have been some wonderful rainbows in the last few days. William considers grass much more important.