Big Butterfly Count

It is nearly August and this weekend, we're taking part in the:

 http://www.bigbutterflycount.org/

It is not just big, it is the world's BIGGEST survey of butterflies!  And, an easy and fun way to learn more about butterflies.

All you have to do is find a spot of bright, preferably sunny weather, choose a place (records are welcome from anywhere) and spot butterflies and moths for 15 minutes.  Make a note of the species you see on the easy ID chart (downloaded here) -  there's even a smartphone app for those who can be trusted with modern technology.  Report your results online and see what else has been spotted in your area.

15,906 counts have been completed so far, so sit back, bask in the sunshine and enjoy the scenery with your butterfly counterparts!

http://www.bigbutterflycount.org

To whet your appetite, here are a few butterflies we've spotted out and about this week:

Just be aware, they may stick their tongue out at you...http://www.bigbutterflycount.org

I'm Handsome and I Know It

Brendan and Brian

Such excitement at Lower Dairy Farm!  Our hell-raising, marauding warrior queen, Bo-bo (the original Iceni nickname for Boudica), was not the only arrival this week.  She joined the less regal Brendan and Brian, our herd accountants.

Brendan is a wing-nutted, Hereford calf.Whereas Brian, does not like to be photographed...

...or to follow the herd.Brian's mother is "affectionately" known as 'Kicker'.

Any volunteers for a spot of castrating?

To recap, so far this year, the calves Bathsheba, Blossom, Betsy, Bingo, Bo-jo (Boris), Brendan, Brian and Boudica have joined the herd.  Cracking names so far, and given this is the year of the 'B', we're hoping our hive will soon be filled with Horkesley Honeybees.

One picky swarm decided not to settle in the lovely hive next to a field of clover and wildflowers (they must read the blog).  Whilst my Queen Bee complex says "How very dare they leave me!", I am working through this by donning my bee suit to sweet talk/waggle dance nicer bees into coming to live with Brian.Perhaps if I dressed up as a giant bee, I'd have more success?

If you hear of a swarm of honeybees, let us know! (shop@lowerdairyfarm.co.uk).  If you see a nutter in a giant bee costume, report them to Animal Control.

Return of the Warrior Queen

Camulodunum!

Be very afeard!  For born unto Thistle, Boudica has risen again...

And the Warrior Queen is already proving her rebellious credentials, seen here staging a sit-in. Terror reigns at Lower Dairy Farm.  So, if the rattle of chariot wheels is heard on North Hill, run for your lives!  (We'll keep her away from matches.)

One Bale and his Collie

Some people have doubted Humbug's capability as a highly trained, albeit abbreviated, collie dog. I'm here to set you straight...here he is rounding up silage bales. Who needs sheep when you have bales?  Win every time!  Clever Humbug.

More hay and silage gossip coming soon...

Thatched barns

Thank you to everyone who braved the chill wind to join us for Open Farm Sunday.  Despite the weather, we had 350 visitors and not one pig escaped amidst the excitement, so a good day all round!

One photo was missing from our barn restoration display, and mid clear-up this morning, it reappeared.  As a thank you, I thought I would share it on the blog!This is one of only two photos we own in which the barn is thatched.  It was taken from the front garden of the farmhouse, looking across Water Lane (not to mention a rather lovely flower border) - can you imagine the cost to do that now!  Or, as Dad wisely pondered, can you imagine taking on a farm with thatched barns today!?

Don't forget, you can submit your present day photos of OFS for the chance to win £100! http://www.farmsunday.org/ofs12b/visit/photographycompetition.eb  We would love to see them too - share them on our Facebook page or e-mail them to farm@lowerdairyfarm.co.uk.

Huge thanks to all our helpers without whom the event would not have been possible:  Lesley, Georgina, Mandy and Kathy who sold a record amount of cake -  Mandy's gluten-free lemon ricotta cake was described as "the best ever" by our GF connoisseurs;  Wayne, Paul and Brian for meeting, greeting and fielding questions about multi-colour cows;  Will Wilson for bravely volunteering to help at OFS having never seen the farm or us before (very brave)!  Becca, Naomi and Bridget for efficiency and cakes for the deprived Taylor girls;  Liz for returning after last year and excellent freezer work, and the Wiston crew for the loan of "safe" trestle tables.  Not forgetting the lovely other Taylor girls for all their help, support, obsessive drain-rodding and special commendation to the incredible Mrs Rogers for her superhuman pre-Open Day work.  Thank you!

One day to go...

..'til Open Farm Sunday!

The cows are looking forward to greeting you!

1..2..3..hatch!