23rd November - Droving

The first sign of day appeared as a redy-orange strip which widened slowly along the horizon, gradually revealing the dark shapes of distant trees. Looking up past the small ash opposite the cottage, a crescent moon pierced the retreating darkness and I stood for some time wondering at the scene. This was a tranquil start to another busy day.

By 8:30 AM C and I had a crackling fire engulfing the mound of brash left at the hedge laying job and as always there was a vengeful satisfaction in seeing the spiny branches burn, which on Monday had punctured our skin so many times. Before the frost had even lifted from the ragwort crowns dotted amongst the rough grass, most of the clearing up was done and by 10 AM we were leaning against the car waiting for our money. The motivation for working so quickly had been a plan to eat an early lunch and then go out shooting but a phone conversation with S soon scuppered that. The cows from across the lane needed herding down to the farm and the local hedge layers were drafted in to walk on behind and blocked gateways when necessary. We were glad to help in fact.  We derive so much pleasure from using S’s land that it’s always good to have an opportunity to give something back. Besides from my point of view, as someone who revels in all things rural, it doesn't get much better than pushing 40 cattle down a country lane with the birds flying and a stunning view rolling out into the distance. Bringing in the herd can be a frustrating business some years, as the surprisingly nimble creatures often enjoy a last run around before taking up their winter quarters. This afternoon however they processed in a calm orderly fashion along the tarmac (under the gaze of 10 or more drivers backed up at their rear), passed H's house and with minimal intervention on into the barns, freshly littered with straw. S was taken aback by the exceptional performance. "Perhaps they recognise us!" suggested C and it is true that the last time we had been in the yard it was to turn one of their number into beef mince and steaks! Whatever the reason, the operation had been a success and H (S's father) drove us back to the cottage in time for a quick walk around with the guns.

Having driven out one shore (which proved to be empty) we took up positions with the idea of intercepting some of the large numbers of pigeons which were flying across the valley to the far wood. I couldn't wait long as I was needed up the hill to look after Chub-Chub but I still had time for a couple of misses and to admire the fence post which I found before me. The top and wet sides were plastered in downy  black bird feathers and had clearly been used by a sparrow hawk for plucking its prey.

Our C is getting on well with his new gun and returned as darkness fell with three Woody's, tail feathers protruding from his shooting jacket.

Dinner

Leftover pork casserole and pasta.