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Hello,
It’s me
again
with an update on life at Stock Hill. In the grounds everything is bursting into
life. Wild Crocus, Daffodils, Hellebores (Christmas Roses), Wild Primroses,
Scillas, Snowdrops, and the Aconites, which are almost over, have all made a colourful
appearance on nature's verdant stage, heralding the onset of spring. Even the
bluebells are blooming, which is a good sign of better
weather to come. The
wildlife seems to sense the season is changing too. The birds are
considering suitable partners and searching out their nesting sites, while
the Badgers and squirrels are
both digging for England and the lawns are being thoroughly excavated, much to
our displeasure! But as we’re wildlife friendly we have to accept these ‘little’
foibles!
We have
been very lucky to see the Kingfisher flying over the lake again and a truly
beautiful female pheasant
strutting around the gardens – of course she is being
fed! Her mate has shown up for his share too. We were
getting worried that we hadn’t seen or heard any of the woodpeckers, but
recently some
tentative tapping has been taking place signalling their presence. Our
honey bees and bumble bees are really enjoying the wild crocuses (see top
picture). They have also been woken by the warm spring sunshine and hopefully will do
well this year.
As I
mentioned last time the Chives were beginning to show fresh green shoots - now
we are actually picking them for use in the kitchen.
We completed the making our
stock of Stock Hill marmalade at the end of January. It’s now ready for the
traditional Stock Hill English Breakfasts in the year
ahead.
For a real touch of Spring at Stock Hill why not make a reservation?
Just call Nita
on 01747 823626.
We're all looking forward to the next
few months and hope you will join us.
Regards,
Lorna
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