Beaters Day

It was a beautiful day, warm and sunny which made a change from the last few Saturdays when it seemed we had been transported to the North Pole. Meeting up at the beaters hut, we split into two teams and all entered the sweepstake with wildly ranging guesses as to the final bag.

One team would beat, while the other took up their positions on the line. My heart was pounding as the first few birds came out of the woods presenting some challenging shots (and misses).

After a couple of drives we stopped for elevenses in the warm morning sun and discussed our varying success and failure.

By the end of a long day, I was delighted with my two birds I had shot. The spirit of the day is not to shoot large numbers of birds in a Gin fuelled massacre as many 'antis' will have you think, but to spend some time in good company and take a few shots at some quality birds.

A big thanks to all who made it such a wonderful day, from the pickers up, keeper and those who cooked loads of food for the hungry mob.

If you are interested in beating and the countryside or would like more information, visit the National Organisation of Beaters and Pickers Up website

Greenhouse stuffed full of plants

I have been working part time in a local nursery over the winter months and it seems that most of my wages went on plants. This time of year is great for buying cheap plants as most nurseries have a sale section with items ranging from 99p upwards.

It seems that the general puplic only want plants that are full of leaves or in full flower, so you can really pick up a bargain just now. Especially as they are making way for the spring stock.

Our greenhouse is now full all along one side and half way down the path. I even managed to bring back 12 rose plants which had been thrown away due to frost damage. A couple of weeks in a heated greenhouse and they are already coming back nicely. Ok they might not perfomr fantastically this year... but next year.