November 2009

All the deciduous trees are almost completely bare now just with the last few leaves hanging on. That wet and windy weather has continued almost throughout the whole month with wet days far outweighing the dry ones. However, up until the last few days of the month, it has remained really mild. So much so, we still have Penstemons and Fuchsias still in flower, with odd Hydrangea still blooming, and now, in the last week of November, Primula and two of our Camellias are in flower.
It really has been bad this month with some of the worst gales for ages which, unfortunately, have brought down two of our apple trees in the orchard.
On a more upbeat note, the fruit of the Cornus capitata, which we have dotted around the grounds has given us a beautiful display and provided Blackbirds, Thrushes, Finches and Squirrels with a feast.
Another wonderful sighting for me this month of a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos minor) flying into one of the old Monterey Cypress trees. Haven’t seen it again but I will be keeping my eyes peeled.
Richard Giles, Estate Manager