Deer Thing

Monday brought sombre mood as Sebastian and I took Batty Two up to Bristol University Veterinary School for a final verdict on whether to put our beloved 8 month old Basset down after nearly drowning in a Dartmoor bog.

We were surprisingly encouraged and very impressed by the professionalism and attitude of the Vets we met there. The benefit of their research and increased evidence of similar conditions gave us hope to think that the nerve and ligament damage might well heal with time.

On returning back to Holwell, relieved that we could nurse Batty Two back to what could be a full recovery eventually, we were delighted with the news too that twin fawns had been born to a Roe Deer in the woods.

Quietly, I took Bertie up to have a look and there nestling in the undergrowth with a cautious mother observing us from behind a nearby tree, lay two of the most adorable creatures I think I have ever seen. Not much bigger than the palm of my hand, yet perfectly formed and beautifully marked, these two tiny fawns seemed completely unconcerned at our interest in them. Apparently they carry no scent so as not to attract preditors, but they did all the same seem so vunerable and we wondered how the mother would be able to protect them from the Buzzards that also live in the copse. But then, you can't question too much; this is nature !

Talking of which, we lost our aged and rather wobbly old gander to the fox last night. A collection of bloodied feathers lay where he used to shelter in the sheds. Despite his fragile state, poor old boy must have put up a bit of a fight judging by the spread of debris.

Aston the Donkey, other half to Martin the Donkey stallion has finally shown that she is most definitely in foal. Her tummy has dropped in the last few days and our stock man Joe actually felt the foal kicking this afternoon. We are hoping she doesn't have too much trouble foaling as she is quite small and this will be her first.

Our other four legged friends at the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust took part in their first "Ten Tors" expedition over the weekend. They gave an excellent account of themselves covering over 30 strenuous miles with their trainer Natalie and Project Officer Dru. By all accounts they stole the show and were a firm favourite with all those who took part. When you consider the two Dartmoor ponies in question were completely wild just a few months ago, this is some feat to have achieved. They were taking part to promote the work that the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust is undertaking in an educational capacity where children can be involved in the "taming" and "trust building" process which is so beneficial to both parties.

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