It’s been very quiet at Mornacott for the last few months but in anticipation of the much trailed end of lockdown expected on 4th July we’ve been amasing supplies of special virucide cleaners and PPE, putting together training routines for our cleaners and undertaking risk assessments (today completing the AA’s Covid-Confident assessment). Now all that we need is for the glorious weather to hold up to ensure a great, long awaited, break for our visitors.

For many years we and our guests have struggled with BT’s risible broadband speeds which have frequently been as low as 1Mbps download and 0.3Mbps upload. We tried to resolve this under the Universal Service Obligation “con” with no luck so pre-lockdown we sorted a suitable alternative and now, thanks to Ashley and a colleague from Fli-Fi.co.uk we’re reaching speeds of up to 80Mbps download and 15Mbps upload. vive la difference!

It is hopefully auspicious that our biggest ever bull calf was born this morning exactly marking the half-way point in our calving period. After a brief spell of R&R mothers and babies are released from their winter quarters into luscious green fields of grass bursting with goodness. One of the delights at this time of year is to see our cows and calves turned out after their time indoors and their delighted reactions.

What a lovely time of year with new born calves and lambs cavorting around the fields enjoying their freedom and, this year, a very mild and sunny April and May. Such a shame that COVID-19 restrictions have meant that we have no holiday cottage guests to witness these magical moments.

With the country in lockdown there’s at least some comfort to the normal hectic routine of calving and lambing. Whilst it’s still far too early to count chickens (or lambs of calves!) we’ve been delighted that the many first time mothers, particularly in the herd, have not had complicated births. Of course the weather helps although, strangely, we now find ourselves wishing for a bit of rain to help the grass grow. What a sadness that there are no holidaymakers in our cottages to enjoy the weather and see the new-borns.

With the world seemingly in meltdown (or certainly lockdown) as a result of COVID-19 nature’s rhythm continues unabated. We were delighted to see Maggie, one of our pet Muscovy ducks, arrive in the yard this morning with her troupe of new ducklings. We also greeted our first Swallow this morning, tired but relieved after its long journey from Africa. In these trying times these simple pleasures provide great joy and hopefully we will all soon be able to resume our normal lives.

"With the world seemingly in meltdown with Coronavirus it’s comforting that the natural rhythm of things is unchanged with regard to our livestock. Currently North Devon has escaped any outbreaks of the virus and the first rays of sunshine continue to contribute to a sense of optimism at the start of our lambing and calving season."