The swallows and house martins left us for warmer climes in September, the stonechats reared a successful brood in the sheepsheds and can often be heard making their characteristic “clack, clack” noise all around the steading. 

There was a brood of tufted ducks on the pond but I am not sure how many survived. The heron puts in the occasional appearance and is probably getting the odd eel for its efforts.

As winter has arrived the view from Crookhouse has changed to one of russetts and golds as the countryside prepares for winter. As the vegetation dies down it becomes a little easier to spot the wildlife on the move and there have been recent sightings of Roe deer, foxes, pheasants, partridges, hares and rabbits. The barn owl gives his exhibition flight daily at dusk, most evenings landing on a fence post to survey his territory, and has several times been seen carrying prey in his talons.

The next real signs of winter will be leafless trees, frosted cobwebs in the hedgerows and if lucky the sighting of a stoat wearing his ermine coat.

Time to clean out the gutters, sweep up the fallen leaves and stock up on logs ready for cosy evenings in front of the fire.

PS - Don’t forget, we now also offer short break packages - Please ring for further details.