Castle Drogo receives a special gift from West Lake.

 

 

Anyone for tea?  or an old tea sign brought by us from Lancashire and which lay gathering dust in our barn for the last 15 years.  We cleaned it off and took it over to Castle Drogo the home of the Drewe family who started the Home and Colonial stores which were common in Lancashire and Yorkshire. They were delighted with the gift and will mount it somewhere in the castle after the major restoration of the roof is complete.
And our gift from the National Trust was a special pass for guests at Orchard Keepers Cottage to visit Castle Drogo, climb the scaffolding and see the restoration work below...then climb down and learn croquet on the lawn.  And of course, have tea.

Cider with Roadies

Campers at Hole Station just 2 miles away descended on West Lake this weekend to sample ciders and learn the craft of the 'champenoise method'.  We tell visitors how the methods used to make champagne were first developed here in the southwest as only the English made toughened glass that could withstand the pressures.

However they were a jolly group who were cycling around the area getting the most of the very wonderful, unspoilt region known around here as Ruby country. After the talk and tasting they went off up the lane laughing,  planning to drink their ciders at the camp barbque

Pollens and Pests under the microscope.

That's me at the very back right of the laboratory ( red hair) picture taken at Harper Adams College during a Microscopy teaching day ...keeping bees now means checking for pests and diseases and for some of this work you need a microscope and a knowledge of dissection and how to prepare slides and samples.  Really interesting. Looking at pollen under the microscope is amazing. Each plant pollen has its own unique size, shape and pattern.

Champagne Cider emerges from the dark.

Our Champagne Cider has emerged from the dark cellars - 2 years in the making, now corked and caged and dressed to impress,  enjoy slightly chilled and share if you feel generous. The first batch took First Place in the cider event at the Devon County Show 2013 - lets see how this batch gets on in the judging 22nd May 2014.  If going to the show check out the results yourself in the food tent. I will be helping in the Honey tent and George is serving in the Devon Ales tent where West Lake Cider is on sale by the glass. Come and say Hello.

Great to see our honey bees out.

 

We are relieved to see our Bees have come through this mild winter and out foraging the crocus.

We have seven hives and all are alive and well bringing in loads of pollen this week. The perfect sign that the Queen is laying.

However there is still little nectar about so we will continue to feed the bees a sugar solution (nectar substitute) so bees get a balanced diet of pollen and nectar. 

 Don't forget to plant out some bee friendly plants this year which are high in nectar.  Check out the RHS website which has a list of such plants

Those visiting the cottage can join in the beekeeping - we have some new spare suits.

 

 

West Lake farm at 25 year celebration today.

That gorgeous man in the photo - next to George - is Anthony Gibson of DEFRA, we gathered for a day of celebrations at Bicton Agricultural College. It is 25 years since the farming consortium 'Devon Farms' started out with a mission to provide outstanding accommodation on their farms in the Devon area.  West Lake Farm with its self- catering cottage 'Orchard Keepers Cottage is a member.  We had very practical help from this group when setting up our self-catering business and it was good to support them today by offering everyone a drink of apple juice.

It was Anthony Gibson who, over the years, has supported Devon Farms and gave all farmers tremendous support and advice during the foot and mouth period.

Willow Cutting this week at West Lake

Many coloured willows for basket making and garden structures are ready for cutting.  George will tackle the Golden rods then the lovely reds and greens.  The very tall Tora and Yoran are off to create an arch for a family wedding at  Bridgerule Water Mill.
Those not wanting to make the journey to the flooded Somerset levels please get in touch and we will see how we can help you with willow supplies this year.

Cutting willow is a back breaking job and not helped when the dog keeps coming up to lick your face - Think I'll take George a warm cuppa.