When April steps aside for May
"When April steps aside for May,
like diamonds all the rain-drops glisten;
Fresh violets open every day: To some new bird each
hour we listen" - Lucy Larcom
Lovely thoughts for for a month where all the trees and hedges are greening up beautifully at Fry's Moor House and where we now have a stunning deep violet-blue carpet of native British bluebells. Also in full flower are yellow celandine, white and yellow wood sorrel and white and pink Ladies Smock. As usual in May, hedgerows are becoming an ever changing tapestry of colour.
The variety of bird song has increased with the return of our migrant birds including some of the black caps and warblers. Jon spotted a willow warbler last week. These birds have one of the longest migratory journeys for a bird of its size.
Mick The Stick ( a neighbour of many talents who makes walking sticks from willow) photographed a blue tit, one of our resident birds, entering one of the bird boxes that Jon had put up on one of the oak trees.
On the wildlife pond one morning I found a couple of very noisy visitors - Canadian geese barking at our dogs. The dogs were barking back. Neither were backing down!
Another fight I was privileged to watch was right outside our gates between two young Roe bucks.
Well our very first season has certainly got off to a great start with bookings coming in regularly and lots of enquiries. Guests have been coming and going and thoroughly enjoying 'Old Rose' shepherd hut, the hot tub and the woodland gardens. We have had some amazing reviews with one of our guests describing their stay as 'OUTSTANDING.' A few brave guests have taken out the dutch style bicycles and explored the area around The Blackdown Hills and Otterford Lakes. Most have enjoyed the warmth and hospitality of our village pub and local customers.
So what's happening this summer in and around the area?
Gin and Jazz afternoons The Candlelight Inn - Last Sunday each month
Corfe Summer Fete - June 1st
Vivary Park Flower Show June 30th - Taunton
Mid - Devon Show July 27th - Tiverton
Honiton Agricultural Show - August 1st
Blackdown Hills Food and Craft Fair August 25th