Autumn days

Clearer tracks, greater access

One of many loads of wood

Another very busy day at Rivergum, at least for Daryl who continues to toil away on his 'holidays'. The cooler Autumn days are a perfect backdrop for slashing long grass and clearing fallen trees for firewood. The clear tracks will allow safe riding spaces for Bek and her new horse Kiwi (Yes, I did say new horse!) and it promotes new growth of pasture. The logs will provide strong fence posts (woodcutter booked for two weeks - yeah) and a healthy supply of wood for friends, family and ourselves.

We have also bought some laying boxes and we are very exciting about the prospect of a new chicken run and chicken house to match.

Free range at its best

There is much discussion at the moment on the radio about what constitutes free range eggs - I have no doubt many of the current 'free range' labels are exaggerated and this classification should be reviewed. Our flock of 22 hens love to be outdoors; they scratch and peck their way around the farm blissfully. I am quite surprised when I hear poultry farmers talk about chickens who choose to stay inside a shed and not venture outside. They are clearly exposed to a different lifestyle from our chickens.

Fallen trees galore

Certainly an interesting debate.

 Our plan at Rivergum is always to allow our animals to live as well and freely as possible while they are in our care. They are well fed, safely housed and protected from the elements and natural, as well as introduced, predators. They provide us with food, fertiliser and a lovely feeling of worth and contentment.

 Til next time ( by the way my toe is still red, swollen and incredibly sore..just saying!)

Cheers

Natasha