Kerry Hill sheep are a native breed originating from the Welsh borders. Kerry Hill were the first sheep I bought, my original ewes came from some very nice and knowledgeable local farmers.
Kerry Hill wool is beautiful, springy, reasonably soft and allows for marvellous stitch definition. I have found that this wool unblended will stand a gentle wool cycle machine wash as I made some socks several years ago which have undergone machine washing.
I have experimented with processing and using boreray fleece in several ways. Although I have no way of measuring the macron count the softness and texture varies from one animal to another. It has proved to be a versatile and resilient fibre.
Blended with hebridean fleece to produce roving the result is a roving which is a pleasant natural marled light brown colour which is perfect for peg loom products and can be easily spun to product a versatile thick yarn. This yarn has been used to make warm protective handwarmers and rug wool.
Blended with 30 percent mohair boreray fleece has been used to produce DK and Aran yarn, creamy honey in colour with a subtle natural sheen.
The wildlife pond provides habitat for a diverse range of species. It has not been significantly maintained for many years now and has changed over time – the process known as succession. The following pictures show the pond at different times of year and stages of succession. Moorhens and mallards have successfully nested on the pond edge. Herons have been seen frequently in the past. An ecological survey conducted in May 2023 revealed a great number of smooth newts and also potential for great crested newts. Foxes and badgers are frequently seen around this location. Several years ago a great white egret was spotted at the edge of the pond.
Dragonflies and mayflies are seen during summer months in the vicinity of the pond.
A small mixed group of trees stands to the southern edge of the pond thus enhancing habitat for amphibians.
Out on our walk up the hill. Another cold and sunny day.