Tree-felling, planting and fencing

...have taken up most of the last few days, with Andy and Alan doing the lion's share of the work.  Our big tractor had a complete cardiac arrest a couple of weeks ago but after being taken to pieces and rebuilt with a new clutch is now operational again, so we should be able to get on with rolling the fields if it stays dry for a few more days.   It's really felt like the beginning of spring so Rockley has moved into a mild frenzy of activity and we've even planted a hundred ash saplings.

Meanwhile some conifers in our wood had to come down, as did the fence on part of the track and Alan and a selection of chainsaws swung into action.

The horses were confined to the barn and one yard for a day, but it was worth it - the new fence which Andy and Alan put up is far superior to the old one :-)

With some trees gone and more light coming into the firs, its now a favourite sunbathing spot for the horses and today they had the bonus of a grandstand view of the foxhounds who came screaming through Rockley on their way to far-flung parts.  Luckily Felix and I were with them, as I couldn't get out on Saturday, and we had a belter of a day, including amazing a visitor who was following us up and down miles and miles of roads and gnarly tracks, incredulous that he was doing it all without shoes!

Updates on the rehabs are on their way, I promise :-)