Country mouse - Tessa Reading
Spring has sprung, but there are less picturesque aspects to the season than those that are viewed fleetingly through a car window. This weekend, we wormed and dagged (the ovine equivalent of a Brazilian) our sheep, and those that hadn't produced lambs were spray-painted with a big, blue B for barren sheep.
Gangs of skittering lambs are not immune to human intervention either. From an early age, each one has an elastic band fitted to its tail so that it will fall off and cut the risk of infection from fly strike. Having applied the band, I like to give each one a quick cuddle before they skip away, tails wiggling frantically. I doubt it's much consolation for the lamb, the rubber band looks pretty uncomfortable.
As we worked, blossom and daffodils bloomed confidently in the spring sunshine, but they were no match for the fruity wafts emanating from the kennels' flesh house. Birth and death are always close at hand in the country. When the day's work was complete, last year's lambs made a different kind of debut when they appeared on the table in the form of a particularly delicious Moroccan style stew.
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A Hampshire Manor for sale that dates back to the days of Alfred the Great, with the most beautiful staircase we've seen in yearsThe ten bedroom property features an indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, spa complex and stables, and it was restored by the same architect who worked on Downing Street.
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A bridge just far enough: Country Life Quiz of the Day, July 4, 2025Lions, castles and even a couple of US-themed questions for the 4th of July in Friday's Quiz of the Day.
