Lambing News

The breeding ewes moved back to Noakes Grove about three weeks before lambing started at the start of May.

The first to give birth provided us with triplets - all three are doing well and have not needed milk in bottles, just their mother's milk.

Four more ewes have given birth (another set of triplets, two pairs of twins and one singleton) and two more are due to give birth in the next few days.

These lovely photos were taken by Daniel Marks at Noakes Grove.

Each breeding ewe is sponsored by one of our supporters. Sponsors will be especially welcomed to see "their" sheep with its lamb(s). Bear in mind that Amy is probably not pregnant.

Two requests and one warning for sheep visitors:

• Please keep your dog under full control and on a lead when near the electric fence.
• The electric fences will be on whenever one of the volunteer shepherds is not at Noakes Grove. Keep your children safe from fences.
• If you are,or might be, pregnant the Dept of Health recommends that you don't make close contact with sheep during their breeding season.

Wild Child starts again

Friday 30 April saw the first Wild Child session at Noakes Grove for some months. The folloowing week they celebrated their return with a Noakes Grove local food barbeque: venison burgers from Radwinter wild fallow deer, bread roll from wheat grown and milled in Wimbish, Noakes Grove dandelion salad and Scotch Patch apple juice

There are 11 children in the group which is reserved for home-schooled kids and is now full.

We plan soon to re-start groups mainly for school-educated children (aged 6-9). These will meet after school on Tuesday and Saturday afternoon each group meeting once every two weeks. The Saturday group is now full.

We will be giving priority to those children who were part of the previous group or are already on the waiting list but if you wish to apply for a place for your child please email david@walden-countryside.co.uk If your child would be able to attend alternate Tuersdays 4:30pm to 6:30pm.

There is no charge for attending Wild Child but many parents choose to make donations for which we are very grateful.

David Corke - Wild Child Group leader

Three wild children treasure hunting

Work parties – limited to 30 people in any one place, but we can spread out with the different tasks

Sunday 16 May: 10.00–3.00 – Maytime
We will be cutting back overreaching brambles, creating a safe path around the new pond and maybe raking some more moss from the meadows. There is also DIY work to be done in the stable.
Bring your own picnic.

Sunday 30 May:10.00–3.00 – Joyous Spring and Music
Same tasks
But also, we will be entertained at lunchtime by The Walden Buskers and the Bumpstead Bojangles.
Bring your own picnic.

Forthcoming events

Sunday 6 June 9.30–11.30. Bird walk

Led by Vyvyan Veal. Look and listen and find out how many species of bird can be identified.

Sunday 27 June 10.00–12.00. Flower walk

Led by Elaine Corke. See how many different species of flower we can spot and identify.

And save the date: Sunday 11 July. Open Day (details later)