Tuesday 28th

Walking around looking at jobs to be done on the hill, these 3 looking very well fed and content. Hardly bothered to look up!

Tuesday 28th May

Dreary day on the Hill but mild. Found the ponies a little way up the main path, just standing, blocking the path, looking fed up and tired. But other than looking grumpy they looked well in all other aspects. 

Thou shall not pass

Monday 27 May

 The ponies were at the coral staying in the shade. All seemed well. Both troughs were full. 

Sunday 26th May

 I did manage to get out last Sunday, but forgot to update the blog…

It’s so nice to see the ponies again after a few months. They are noticeably more humanised and all now appear to have become quite human curious.

They were all by the main gate this morning. The site is looking good with a number of orchids peeping through.

Saturday 25th May

Lovely day on the Hill, with the ponies close to the main gate munching away on the fresh new sweet grass. They all looked good, the flies were back but not too bothersome at this stage. Kat looks like she's got a bit of a graze on her muzzle and has a mark on her flank (but could just be the knap of her coat). But as I said they were very well and seemed happy. Doune came over to chivvy me along, which I thought was a bit bossy. 

Thursday 23rd May

 All 3 ponies were about 150 metres diagonally down the hill from the western gate, and grazing.  They looked in fine form and briefly acknowledged my arrival before continuing to munch.  The nearby trough was full - I didn't trek to the other trough.

Tuesday 21st May

A freezing and overcast day on the Hill, having to resort to dragging the woolly hat out of the cupboard. It was mid May and not a butterfly was stirring...

The ponies were up the eastern end mooching in and around the shrubs up there, possibly hiding from Sam, who was visiting. They were in good form, Flam and Kat nipping each other over my attention, but is good to see Flam back to her friendly best. They were looking really well and seemed very happy munching away.

The eastern trough on the other hand is not looking so healthy unless muddy brown is a sign of wellness. I certainly wouldn't drink from it, but then I don't have the constitution of an Exmoor. Also don't tell Southern Water or they'll be up there piping it into the water supply....too soon?? (hope that doesn't count as slander!)

Talking of Southern Water, the Water Trea...Sewage works are smelling very frisky at the moment, which might help to explain the lack of butterflies and why the ponies seem to prefer the eastern end of the site. 

Saturday 18th May

Overcast but incredibly humid in the Hill today, but it seemed to be keeping the flies away so the ponies were in great form today. They were up by the road fence mooching towards the top gate munching as they went. Even Doune came over to say Hello, which is pretty rare, but Flam soon nudged her out of the way. They all looked in good shape, no obvious issues. 

The top path (by the fence) is looking pretty nice, but there's a little bit of road litter so next time I'll try and remember to take a bin bag.

Thursday 16th May

 The ponies were about 200 m along the top path from the western entrance gate and  grazing happily.  They looked well, and the trough at that end was full, although I agree that it is looking very murky. Otherwise, all well.

Tuesday 14th May

Dull but humid day on the Hill, but all the recent sun and rain has really brought it to life and it's starting to smell really nice (if you ignore the Waste Water Treatment Plant and don't get too close to the ponies!) and is incredibly verdant.

The gang were right up by the top gate, with Flam and Kat having a little lie down. I think Doune was keeping guard. Flam got up and had a bit of a stretch and then came to say Hello, which was good as I was a little worried about her. They all looked well and the flies weren't so much of a problem. Both troughs full and murky, with the top one a particularly nasty green/brown colour. 

 

Took the scenic route back via Section 1 and as I emerged onto the main path, so did a fox cub. We stared, I nodded, it ran back into the brush. And then a large Red Kite came swooping down quite low too. But no butterflies, well one peacock. And the lake is starting to dwindle quite quickly now, it'll probably be gone in a week or so 😞.

Monday 14 May

 Well a cooler day it is. The ponies were at the top of the site and chilling out. 2 were sitting and the other standing. The troughs were full. 

Saturday 11th May

Absolutely gorgeous on the Hill this morning, with the ponies initially being no-where to be seen. Had a walk hunting the elusive Duke of Burgundy butterfly, but no joy, and by the time I returned to the corral the ponies were there. They were huddled together, flies didn't seem too bad, but the ponies didn't seem very happy or alert. Maybe it was too hot for them? But other than that all looked well. 

Thursday 9th May

 All 3 were still close to the corral this morning, in the shade.  There were quite a few flies around being a nuisance, but otherwise, they looked in good form. The 'near' trough was fine - I didn't go along the track to check the far one.

Lovely orange-tip near the main gate - my first this year.

Cover request

 Dear all, I am unable to looker on 20 May. Can anyone cover for me? Nick

Wednesday 8th

 3 ponies were by the coral, Doune lying down under the tree but got up when encouraged and seemed fine. One was well hidden in the gap between the coral and the fence and the other one greeted us over the gate. All well, bottom trough full, Didn't check the top.

As I mentioned, we'll be away, next check 5th June.

Tuesday 7th May

At last some proper sunshine on the Hill. Lots of butterflies and the warm air being ridden by some Buzzards. However with the warmer weather comes the flies and Flam was being bothered to the point she looked thoroughly unhappy. They were clustered under the trees of the main top path clump, trying to escape the worst of them. Kat was busy munching at the decaying tree with Flam using her tail to swat away the pesky flies. Worryingly they were clamouring around Flam's eyes and this was causing her to squint and look very uncomfortable. Her eyes appeared clear and okay so hopefully it was just a reaction to the flies. Something to keep an eye on (no pun intended). 

Saturday 4th May

Gorgeous day on the hill with a gentle breeze. The ponies were at the top of the site right next to the gate. They were huddled together and not looking very happy. It looks like fly season has arrived with vengeance, the ponies were frantically trying to keep the horrible little things off. But other than that they were okay. Kat cunningly used Doune's bottom to brush flies off her face. Well what are friends for!?! 

Fri 3rd May

Ponies all fine and came to investigate the work party at quite a speed while we were having lunch! Looking really shiny and healthy and doing a grand job as ever.  

Thursday 2nd May

 A very murky morning after a wet and thundery night.  3 ponies by the far (eastern) gate, doing very little, but seemingly quite content.  Troughs OK and all seemed well.  I was pleased to see and hear a yellowhammer, having not seen one for a while - and lesser whitethroats singing too.

Wednesday 1st May

 The ponies were browsing the bushes by the track a few hundred meters up from the coral. They looked fine, swishing flies. Both troughs full and lick barely started. Plenty of butterflies and a couple of pheasant spotted. 

I forgot to say, we'll be on holiday from the 12th to 29th May, So we'll not be able to do the 15th, 22nd or 29th