Meet the neighbours..
A little bit about the animals..
All of the ponies travelled down from Scotland in August 2022 to begin a new life in Devon. They had all worked at Over Dalkeith Stables, a riding school in Rumbling Bridge, Scotland. They have been enjoying a well earned retirement since they moved.
The ponies are able to live a very natural existence, where they are free to graze on any part of the 15 acres, including a small wooded area. They can freely access the barn for shelter and unlimited hay at all times.
It is fascinating to sit and watch the ponies interact with each other as a herd and their individual personalities shine through.
They all appear to be benefiting from the move to Devon with it's shorter,milder winters and it's longer, sunnier and warmer springs and summers.
CLICK on the ponies picture for more details about each pony
The goats came to live with us in Scotland in 2017. Three boy pygmy goats who had lived together since they were born, although they are not related to each other.
The breeder wouldn't let them split up as they were such friends.
The goats are free to graze on any part of the smallholding and have free access to a stable with unlimited hay. In the better weather you will see them grazing with the horses before they make their own way back to the stable for their bedtime.
Goats are not waterproof and they do not like the rain or mud and so in winter they tend to keep to the stable and only venture out into the barn yard.
CLICK on goats picture for more details about each of them
The birds living around the campsite make a wonderful noise. We have seen and heard the following ones and if you keep your eyes open you might too,
Wren, Chaffinch, Robin, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Marsh Tit, Coal Tit, Greenfinch, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Goldcrest, Nuthatch, Wagtail, House Sparrow, Dunnock, Goldfinch, Black Cap, Starling, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Meadow Pipit, Redwing, Green Winged Teal, Siskin, Woodpigeon, Blackbird, Crow, Jackdaw, Magpie, Starling, Rook.
At dawn and dusk the Tawny Owls are very clear and you may even see the bats flitting around.
