Midwinter is a good time to bond with the animals and birds. With a cohort of three young helpers and a small dog, I've been doing the rounds with different forms of nourishment. First stop are the chickens, who have been getting used to their Christmas present, a solar-powered door opener. They cluck appreciatively as we cast handfuls of corn around. Next, it's down to the pond with all the bread scraps for the geese and ducks. By this time, the ponies know that we re on the way and career down the hill in anticipation of their hay, and the odd apple.
The sheep don't mind being patted as long as they get their nuts. Even the tits and robins on the bird feeder bravely come in to take their fill as soon as we ve topped it up. With breaking the ice on the water troughs and rugging up those who might need it in case of a cold snap, there is a sense that we're all in this together. Spring and summer are wonderful, but we never feel as close to our menagerie as we do in January.
-
The real Bear Grylls: Country Life Quiz of the Day, July 2, 2025Britain's longest pier is among the highlights of Wednesday's Quiz of the Day.
-
What do 19th century rowers, Queen Victoria and Giorgio Armani all have in common? They helped to popularise the world's most versatile jacket — the blazerEveryone from royalty to rappers seems to have one in their wardrobe. Harry Pearson lists the merits of the blazer, a true sartorial team player.
