The dogs at war and my kids go feral

We have a new face about the farm – a sheepdog called Midge.

He is lanky, not very good looking but very keen on his work and, most importantly, kind.

It’s early days but we all seem to be getting on. Everyone likes him... apart from our old sheepdog, Bill. And, of course, the sheep.

Bill is still top dog and hopefully when things calm down a little, they will be able to work together as a team.

Kate and Roy, the other sheepdogs, are more welcoming and just want to play but Bill paces up and down the kennel run, tail on end, occasionally snarling in Midge’s direction.

We bought in some NEW FACE hay from lowland farms, our hayfields are yet to be mown – another week before the wildflowers reseed and we are sure all ground nesting birds have flown the nest.

It’s good to see the barns filling up with hay, even if it’s not been grown here. After last year’s washout summer and the long, hungry winter, we’re stocking up so we’ve lots of winter feed stashed away.

The children have gone feral. They are never inside – every spare moment is taken up paddling, swimming or canoeing in the river.

It’s been so hot that the fire in the farmhouse has not been lit during the day so the water for showers has been nippy.

But they’ve freshened themselves up during their river escapades and as long as they don’t get covered in sand or pondweed, nobody will be any the wiser.