2002
In spring 2002, we planted a small orchard of fourteen trees; apple, pear, cherry and plum, again purchased from Deacons. We tried to pick varieties that would cope with our geographical position. Unfortunately, during 2002, a couple of the trees proved attractive to some invading sheep and lost a substantial proportion of their leaf cover. All the trees now have individual "sheep guards" when there are sheep in neighbouring fields and these seem to work fine. Since then, we've lost a few trees but plan to review the orchard during 2007.
Since we were planting trees anyway, we took the opportunity to plant a couple of hundred yards of native hedging, completing a stretch of established hawthorn hedge, along the north and east boundaries of the land. To protect the fruit trees, in what is quite a windy site, we planted a green beech hedge. This has established very well in parts, reasonably well in others, and poorly where the rabbits are worst. The hedging plants came from Hopes Grove Nursery and the quality was excellent. As well as the hedging plants above, I bought 40 lavender plants and to my delight, all survived and thrived until 2007, when they were dug out.
Spring 2002 also saw the arrival of our first three hens - the "Originals" - and our first cat, Cassius. Cassius has spent the period since then decreasing the local rabbit population and knocking the dogs into shape. He's having more success with the latter than the former, but he's working on it.
The hens were a Black Rock, a Rhode Island Red and Light Sussex - chosen because they looked like "proper" hens.
I also achieved a lifetime's dream when I bought my first (and probably only) horse - a five year old, grey Highland gelding called Munro of Millfield or Smokey to his mates.