Wow — what a month it’s been. Alongside the usual rhythm of hen feeding, cleaning out, checking, and egg collecting, we’ve found ourselves enjoying our sheep and cattle rounds more than ever. And with good reason.
A Rare Privilege: Grazing the Glebe (or Culverhay!)
At the end of July we were granted the rare opportunity to rent the ground commonly known as the Glebe — or, as we also know, Culverhay. Even better, it borders our own land, making daily checks a genuine pleasure.
Our sheep and cattle, including breeds often used for conservation grazing, have wasted no time munching their way through the old, overgrown grasses and brambles. Watching them settle in has been a joy, but what’s surprised us most is how much history is revealing itself as we walk the fields each day.
Uncovering the Past, One Map at a Time
Both of us share a love of local history, and this land has become a treasure hunt. Evenings have been spent poring over old maps, comparing boundaries, names, and features, and seeing how this single parcel of land has shifted over the last 200‑odd years.
With our old, smaller tractor, Paul has been able to clear areas that haven’t been touched for decades — possibly not since the Gamblins tenancy ended in the 90s. As the brambles retreat, features are emerging that have us utterly fascinated.
Where was the dovecote? The name Culverhay suggests there must have been one.
What was the stone-built structure near Top Street? Could it have been the original Manor Paul has heard about, or was that the dovecote itself?
Why does one corner pasture appear on old maps as “Cranes Piece”? A person? A landmark? Something else entirely?
Some maps show a well, others a pump. Was it only for the Rectory (now The Old Coach House), or did it also supply the horse‑wash? One map even hints at a pond on the edge of Top Street — something we’ll be hunting for on our next walk. And to add to the picture, we’ve been observing badger activity in the field too.
There are so many questions that we’re planning a trip to the Heritage Centre to see the maps in person rather than squinting at digital scans.
Fencing, Boundaries and Balancing Acts
We’ve also begun the long‑overdue job of replacing the fence along the Glebe boundary. It’s proving a challenge to clear enough overgrowth to install the fence on the correct line while still leaving the hedgerow looking natural rather than stripped bare.
Please rest assured: anything we remove will be replaced, and much of what’s coming out is already dead or in poor health. The aim is to restore, not diminish.
Eggs, Egg‑citement and Egg‑haustion
Our “eggsploits” continue to keep us on our toes. Some days we don’t see a soul; other days we sell out completely and find ourselves sprinting back to the nestboxes while customers wait patiently in the heat.
We definitely need more hens — and work has already begun on a new hen house for another 20 girls. In the meantime, if you’re coming for eggs, it’s worth calling ahead. With these still‑crazy hot days, we’re keeping fewer eggs in the kiosk to make sure they stay at their best.