Just about everything is dangerous to birds; chocolate, avocado, onion and garlic… That’s why we seem to Google “Is [insert everyday item] safe for birds” several times a day! The trouble is they seem to love getting into mischief, add to that an unhealthy dose of urban myths and one wonders that they survive at … Read more
Bee First Aid Today was the first bee first aid of the year for us. The equinox is here and after not one but two punishing snow storms it looks like spring is finally here. As spring approaches we see the insects start to stir and go about their business. The sight of a bumble … Read more
More snowy scenes from Totnes as a second beasterly easterly brings a fresh flurry. As the beast from the east makes its second appearance we have more snowy scenes from Totnes. The town around us is turned into a beautiful winter wonderland for the second time. It is hard to imagine this much snow in … Read more
Pigeons Rock (Doves) People love doves, they are a symbol of peace, their gentle coo warms our hearts and brings a warm glow to bodies but not so the pigeon. Seen a plenty on our streets the humble pigeon, often called a sky rat, is hated by many. There is a slight problem with this … Read more
Pigeons nesting on a balcony in Torquay. Had to share this with you. A friend has had multiple generations of the same family of pigeons nesting on a balcony in his flat in Torquay! The latest chick is doing well and mum, dad and aunts and uncles attend to its every need. This baby is … Read more
Since the 1400’s there have been named wardens of the Leechwell in Totnes. The water was believed to cure leprosy among other things, and sick folks would journey to Totnes to get healed by the water. To this day there are still named wardens! The three troughs (from left to right); Toad, Long Crippler and … Read more
I’m a visual gardener, for me it’s all about seeing and being in beauty. The view of Hay Tor, the rook silhouetted at the very top of the highest branch. I need my garden to cheer me up, and we all know the first bite is with the eye. Alas, March is the hungry gap … Read more
We all need friends, especially in these divided times. It’s worth remembering that friends come in all shape and sizes. They come in different colours. They come with different languages, different clothes, different food, music, the lot. Even when they may seem so different, the need for companionship is near universal. So when we nervously … Read more
Frozen Dart As the beast from the east arrived in Devon we get to see something very rare. Chunks of ice floating down the river Dart! We saw this once before in the time that we have lived here but it was nowhere near as amazing as this.
Stunning scenes during today’s snowstorm, including ice across the entire width of the River Dart at Totnes.