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Learning in progress… Longnetting
Ever since I first started ferreting, I have been limited by the fact that I don’t really know very much about setting nets. Bit by bit, I came to terms with the basic mechanism involved in a purse net which can open and close, and I have recently started to get some really good results.… Continue reading
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Mysterious dollops
This time last year, I was surprised by the appearance of several dollops of semi transparent jelly which appeared as if at random across the Chayne. The damp items varied in size from a pound coin to an orange, and they were found in wet grass, on open moorland and on gateposts. Assuming it was… Continue reading
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Geese on Islay
Once again, I find myself in the happy situation of being able to stick my oar in and have a say about a subject that doesn’t directly effect me. Listening in to Radio 4’s programme “saving species” yesterday morning, I heard an interesting report on conservation measures to ensure the ongoing prosperity of barnacle and… Continue reading
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(Another) Experiment
Although the purpose of this blog is to document the intended rise of a small rough shoot in south west Scotland where only wild birds are wanted, I have taken an executive decision to broaden my horizons. Since reared pheasants have started appearing on the farm over the past few weeks, I have been interested… Continue reading
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The fog’s bollocks
It seemed like it was about time to do another dawn patrol around the Chayne after several weeks of neglecting my duties, so I got up at seven o’clock this morning and put the .243 into its sleeve. Stars still lurked overhead, but as the car headed further and further up to the high ground,… Continue reading
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Happiness is… a full warren
This blog is beginning to develop a preoccupation with ferrets, despite its being billed as concerning “grouse”. I just don’t seem to be able to draw my mind away from working the young hobs, and thankfully, I keep getting more and more opportunities to do so. Heading out for a recce near my house today,… Continue reading
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Bloody Hell!
The ferrets have never come closer to vanishing into the ether than they did last night, as a fantastic storm blasted Dumfries and Galloway with an awful intensity. The wind was picking up all evening, but it was only when I heard a crash outside that I went to see what was going on with… Continue reading
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So farewell, Emperor
There has been the most tremendous uproar in the press about the death of the imaginatively styled Exmoor Emperor. Newspaper columnists and cultural observers appear to be having a field day, resurrecting old scores against country sportsmen and stirring up a happily boiling pot of contention. For some reason, the press appointed an “Exmoor deer… Continue reading
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Intense activity
Over the past few weeks, squirrels have become more and more noticeable. It doesn’t seem like long ago since they first started to appear on the Chayne after last winter, but then the leaves came out and they vanished again. I would see them for a second along the topstones of a dyke before they… Continue reading
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Spoilt again in Teesdale
Looking to pass a day of idle relaxation this morning, I headed south to the happy hunting grounds of Teesdale, Co. Durham for a second look at one of the best managed pieces of moorland within a three hour drive of Dumfries. Armed with a long camera lens and a stale bun packed for lunch,… Continue reading
About
“Shout on, Morgan. You’ll be nothing tomorrow”
Swn y galon fach yn torri, 1952
Also at: https://andtheyellowale.substack.com
Bog Myrtle & Peat 