Swinton Green In May

It’s been all systems go over the last few months and it is beginning to feel like we don’t get much time to sit still. Many of you will know that next month I’ll be opening up Swinton Green, my new business initiative, it is an extension of my business at Hannah, Little Alf and Friends.

A visitors' centre will offer workshops, experience days and courses in the future and now that the lighter nights are here and better weather, we’ve been working outdoors most days, it’s a real family effort. I’m lucky that my parents are very supportive and keen gardeners as they are in charge of the groundwork, while I focus and train the animals.

Last weekend the new pygmy goats arrived and I am pleased to report they have settled in okay, despite a lot of shouting at first. I have named them George and Olly after my two much younger cousins!

Arthur the Sulcata tortoise is loving the nicer weather, he seems to be growing every day and enjoying the fresh grass which means he is keeping his paddock tidy, as his diet is 80% grasses and leafy greens.

I’ve begun planting out my very own vegetable patch and am starting to growing carrots for the ponies, lettuce for Arthur, dark leafy greens for the rabbits and guinea pigs, strawberries for the hens and many other vegetables for us to enjoy as a family. It has been on and off rain this week, so all the plants and vegetables have responded and shot up. I love being outside in the garden it allows me to switch off and enjoy some peace.

Talking of new arrivals, in the next few days my three alpacas will be arriving, the alliterative Bean, Bear and Blue. They are coming from a local breeder based towards Harrogate. I'm all set for their arrival and can’t wait to spend more time with them, once they have settled, then it will be time to begin training for alpaca walking and therapy intervention programmes.

In other news, we’ve been drawing up plans for the tropical butterfly house, which along with the family we hope to start work on in June, so watch this space and of course, I’ll be sharing progress every step of the way!

Finally, I’ve been back out clay shooting this month, I had to have a few weeks off due to injuring my ankle but it’s nice to be back out with some friends and enjoying a hobby I love!