February 2024 Diary
WHITECROFT FARM – GLENTROOL OFF ROAD – DEVORGILLA BRIDGE
Although some say February can be a dreary month we certainly haven’t found that here this year. Mixed weather yes, as is to be expected, but some fabulous sunny moments, glorious skies and moody mists. Early signs of Spring on the horizon too, snowdrops out in full force, catkins on the hazel and bees buzzing around early blossom.
What was left of Bennel Wood, (adjacent to Whitecroft Farm), after Storm Arwen, has now almost all been removed, leaving some Broadleaf trees edging the woodland, it’s recovery and replanting eagerly awaited! At least now it will be safer to walk in that area now that the many half-fallen trees are gone!
Mark managed to take a couple of well-earned breaks from work to go out on some cycle rides with a friend. Whilst cycling close by, in Dalbeattie Forest and along the beach at Southerness Lighthouse to Powillimount, (with the obligatory stop off for a pint at the Steamboat Inn, Carsethorn), they also ventured over to another of the famous 7 Staines, this time in The Galloway Forest Park. This trip saw them cycling in Glentrool, with some stunning scenery and visit to Bruce’s Stone.
We had a treat of a trip out to the wonderful Robert Burns Centre Cinema in Dumfries https://rbcfilmtheatre.co.uk/location to see Ian McKellen in a brilliant new adaptation of Hamlet. This was topped by a glorious evening walk along the River Nith, viewing the Caul in full force in front of a beautifully lit, Devorgilla Bridge.
Myrtle and Rose cottages have been busy with guests, many of whom have enjoyed fitting into their holidays a walk with our Blacknose Swiss Valais sheep, and feeding our Highland Cows, amongst other experiences on the Farm.
Our February scanning of ewes in lamb brought mixed news. We knew it was a long shot that our ram lamb (King Kong) would be old enough to serve the few ewes he ran with, and unfortunately we were right. Also Kimchi’s Mum from last year, Indiana, did not fall pregnant this year … however King Kong’s Mum, Indigo, is expecting twins in April – so fingers crossed for that, looking forward to lambing!
And finally, with the help of friends and neighbours, our Barn Owl box is now up in the rafters of the big barn, so let’s hope the pair of Barn owls will find this comfortable and settle there!