We have had some 'rogue' sheep in our wood today - I spotted them from the bathroom window and realised they weren't ours.. The wood is about 10 acres and it is classified as ancient woodland because it was on the first Ordnance Survey map printed in1700 (ooooh) It is pretty special - we know there are deer, badgers, foxes and red squirrels in there - and to go in there, lean aginst an oak tree and listen to the birds and the stream, is a wonderful experience that we feel very grateful for. We are actively encouraging the regeneration of the wood SO the sheep had to be chased out.. Jonathan and Morgan were away in Edinburgh - first time experience at a rugby match (All Blacks V Scotland - amazing atmosphere apparently) so Beth and I trotted in there with Dan the sheepdog. We followed the sheep to where they had pushed up the fence over the stream to get into the wood, and I found a dead branch to put against the fence for now. I had managed to get down the steep valley side without mishap and avoided getting my legs caught in the dead ferns but as I pulled at the branch, it gave suddenly and I feel flat on my back.. Beth LOVED it - completely lost the plot and belly laughed her little socks off! We then had a wander back... (once she recovered) It;s all very 'dank' and decaying at the mo, but very atmospheric and gorgeous colours - yellow ochre, burnt sienna (I only know this since taking up painting!!) We stopped and sat at a point we call the fairy knoll...very beautiful..(could have been more so without a manic 6 year old wanting more funny falls)
The dogs are in disgrace - set off for a walk down the track with 2 dogs (no idea where Jack the Border Terrier was) continued the walk with 1 dog. as Red took off into the wood, ignoring the whistle and shouts (makes me so mad!) then on my return, had 3 dogs with me! Mad.. at least they come back - but Red is so big and noisy, she's really disruptive, whereas Jack just potters and tries to chase the odd pheasant. and my lovely Dan just stays with his Mum, bless him!
There is a connection between the donkeys and the wood, so I will explain all next time...
