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Botany: surprisingly interesting
Everyone knows that grouse love heather. The image of the grouse cock standing amidst the purple bloom is one of the most iconic symbols of British sport, but it quickly became obvious that the Chayne is decidedly lacking in this valuable plant. It is present, but only in short, springy carpets that are fast receding… Continue reading
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The life and death of John McClane
We started to get to know the foxes on the Chayne. Sometimes our acquaintances lasted longer than others, but two or three individuals started to stand out as being particularly noteworthy characters. To date, “Pale Pete” and “Flashman” are still at large, but the story of John McClane is one that is worth telling. On… Continue reading
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“Let there be woodcock”
On our regular lamping trips around the farm, we began to notice woodcock in the torchlight. One in particular could always be found in the same spot at the same time, blinking unhappily in the brightness. The light completely dazzled him, and he would stare with a vacant expression for a time before crossing his… Continue reading
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Red Offenders – The gauntlet is thrown down
I knew that there were foxes on the Chayne. I had fired at one on the 12th of August and the local hunt always turned up one or two, but nothing prepared me for my first night’s lamping there. I asked Richard, a friend with a reputation for rifle accuracy to come with me, and… Continue reading
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Making a start: The Chayne
As far as I am concerned, the Chayne is a big piece of land. Highlanders might sniff and say that there is scarcely enough room to park a land rover, but to me, one thousand six hundred acres is quite a sizeable area. Roughly circular in shape and bordered on three sides by forestry of… 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 