We penned the ewes up 3 weeks ago in expectation for an imminent birthing to follow. And yet nothing has appeared, other than 2 rapidly expanding tummies. Below is a picture of surely the fattest sheep in Hampshire, who can hardly walk. When oh when will she pop?
If you take a wander through our woodland you will stumble upon early signs of spring, with snowdrops in full bloom and tiny daffodils ready to burst forth. But the really exciting news is that our friendly borrowed ram Artie seems to have had success with our 2 ewes. They are due to give birth…
The Woodland Trust has generously chosen to donate 105 trees to Project Manna to help revive the water meadow area. The trees are a mix of native British trees that suit wet or boggy land, and to help shade and cool rivers and streams. Our plan is to clear an area beside the river and…
At Manna we are learning to be resourceful and imaginative with things that would otherwise go to waste. We have made links with local people and businesses who are giving us all manner of useful provisions. For example, a local tree surgeon drops off his wood chippings which we use for weed suppressants, pathways, and…
After many months of fence post bashing, and lots of helping hands, we were finally able to welcome our first animals onto the land. They came in the form of 4 rather interesting horned sheep. And what furry beauties they are! After a remarkably smooth transition from neighbouring land, they couldn’t wait to tuck into…
We had considerable help from members of the Bournemouth Foodbank, which included Tommy shimmying up a tree faster than a monkey!
We are in the midst of creating a new home for our sheep, who are in temporary accomodation up the lane with a very kind neighbour. However, this could not happen until the grass was cut, thanks to one of the wettest June’s in recorded history causing Manna to turn into a jungle seemingly overnight.…
Last year James bravely transported a hive of bees in the back of a car all the way from Suffolk, which was a somewhat nerve wracking journey made worse by queues on the M25! Sadly the bees chose not to reside with us, though they kindly left us 18 jars of honey for which we…
So this is the other end of the sheep shearing day, which was somewhat longer than expected. Without going into detail there were ‘issues’ with escapees, who were utterly determined not to be stripped of their dignity. As a result, we have one very obedient Jacob who is now free of his winter overcoat, but…
So today Jacob and Leah are going to have their winter overcoats taken from them in preparation for the hot days we all hope will come. As I type looking at the mist lifting from the fields, they remain blissfully unaware of what this day holds for them. One only hopes they will not suddenly…