Barfield Holiday Cottages and Smallholding

11/06/2024

Recently Fledged Swallows on the arch wall at our home in Cornwall - taken 11/06/2024.

28/05/2024

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-69068815

Risks of peanut allergy cut by 71% in teenagers who had peanut as a baby.

28/05/2024

Well I never thought I see the day someone said rain is good for you😊https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c51157ep524o

02/05/2024

What is this striking plant? 🏵️

Found only in East Anglia’s fens and critically endangered, this is the yellow early marsh orchid - one of Britain’s rarest orchid species!

Fen orchids are unique because they don’t usually grow in soil. Instead, they grow on clumps of moss or on sedge tussocks in wet areas called fens. This way of growing is similar to how tropical orchids grow on trees.

In 2010, only 11 yellow early marsh orchids remained in the UK.

But through funding from Natural England's Species Recovery Programme and collaboration with .loveplants and , significant progress has been made.

Biologists at Kew Gardens carried out pioneering new research, enabling the successful reintroduction of 68 plants to a former site in East Anglia in 2020.

Today, the total population has surpassed 100 – a testament to the power of conservation and collaboration.

By ensuring the survival of the yellow early marsh orchid, we're not just preserving a beautiful plant species. We're also protecting precious biodiversity and supporting the health of our ecosystems 💛

📷: Tim Pankhurst, Plantlife

26/04/2024

From LCC, wasn't shareable so I'm re-posting:

Can you see a positive image. Look at the dots for 30 seconds and then look at the wall.

26/04/2024

A short film from BBKA on Asian Yellow-Legged Hornets https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5E_cU2eGjnw

Please share, we need to contain them for the sake of our own bees and insects.

BBKA Asian Hornet Awareness Film

23/04/2024

DEFORESTATION AND GLOBAL WARMING - A long read, but an eye opener.

Huge gullies that open up suddenly, swallowing homes and businesses, are advancing at a worrying speed, warn experts.

16/04/2024

Another one from Stratton Woods - Wild Garlic - no Vampires in those woods.

16/04/2024

A photo from my recent trip to Stratton Woods, Bude - Macro day out with Sara.

27/03/2024

If you are going away this year to the EU, check your passport is in date, read on:

UK passports can have up to 10 years and nine months on them but EU countries won't accept them.

23/03/2024

27/02/2024

Thank you everyone for the birthday wishes.

I had a very pleasant lunch at The Tintagel Brewery with Sarah. I think they deserve their AA Rosettes.

We also had an enjoyable meal at Nathan Outlaw's Seafood Restaurant on Saturday Lunch/afternoon. Superb food and the service was up to its usual high standards. Thank you Anna and the team.

26/02/2024

Another YouTube video for you: Debunking Spider Myths: https://youtu.be/ZAYblesQA3w I hope I haven't frightened the life out of you today.

https://twitter.com/ThomasShahanA somewhat brief video addressing common spider myths and misconceptions. Sources and further reading:Arachnologist Rod Crawf...

26/02/2024

An interesting YouTube article on Arachnids (Spiders) passed onto me by my Photography friend Geoff Trevarthen who loves insects and macro photography:

SUBSCRIBE ► https://bit.ly/2VCQkOZSpiders and their relatives are greatly misunderstood creatures. Often seen as something to be feared, they are actually am...

07/12/2023

https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/67626130

A cheesemaker from the Highlands in Scotland thinks he might have created the world's stinkiest cheese! Whiffy!

22/11/2023

12/11/2023

Winter is on its way. ❄

For many animals, this time of year is all about slowing down and preparing for colder weather. If heading outdoors this season, it’s important not to disturb the cosy shelters and food stores wildlife might depend on.

⬆Stick to paths
🐦Keep your distance from wildlife and pack binoculars if you want a closer look
🍂Leave woodpiles, leaves and plants as you find them
🐕‍🦺 Always keep your dog on a lead or in sight

For more tips on how to respect and protect nature, visit thecountrysidecode.org.uk

📷 Wood mouse

23/09/2023

Looking for fun outdoor activities? 🪁

If you can, use the last days of summer to get outdoors and boost your mood.

Free family-friendly events are happening in Great Yarmouth, Plymouth, Seaford and Weston-Super-Mare to celebrate the creation of the King Charles III England Coast Path. Activities include:

🚶‍♀️Guided walks
🎨 Live performances
🤿 An immersive virtual reality diving experience

When complete, the King Charles III England Coast Path will be the longest walking trail in England!

Visit englandcoastpath.org for details.

07/09/2023

16/07/2023

Fancy bee-ing a citizen scientist? 🐝

Take part in a pollinator survey by following these three simple steps:

🌺 Find a flower patch and observe for 10 mins on a dry, warm day

🦋 Count all insects that land on the target flowers in your patch

⬆️ Upload your results to the FIT Count app to help scientists monitor pollinators

The data you provide will help bees and other pollinators thrive.

Learn more and download the app: https://ukpoms.org.uk/fit-counts

16/07/2023

27/05/2023

The best light and atmosphere is often around dawn and dusk… which is why I regularly set my alarm for 5am at this time of year to look for roosting insects. I shot this male banded demoiselle against light reflecting off water to create this semi-silhouette effect. For those interested, most of my insect photos are captured using an old (but optically amazing) 200mm micro, which provides a large working distance from the subject.

27/05/2023

04/05/2023

Think! Hedgehog 🦔

We all love hedgehogs, but sadly climate change and habitat loss threaten the species.

That's why we’re leading large-scale nature recovery in England to give our iconic wildlife a helping hand.

If you have a garden, you can create a safer world for our spiny friends through the choices you make.

Here are some of our top tips:

👀 Check before mowing or strimming the grass
🛣️ Create a hedgehog highway by making a small hole at the bottom of boundary fences
🍃 Make a natural shelter out of logs and fallen leaves
🕳️ Cover up drains to avoid trips and falls
🥤 Pick up any litter and netting when not in use so they don't get trapped

Check out British Hedgehog Preservation Society for more tips.

28/04/2023

HAVE YOU BOOKED YOUR AUGUST 23 HOLIDAY YET

OUR LUXURY, HIGHLY SOUGHT-AFTER SELF-CATERING HOLIDAY COTTAGE (Sleeps 6) is now available for 7-nights from 11 August and 18 August 2023.

Rated HIGH 4* by our agents and Guests.

Through unforeseen circumstances, the family that had booked our cottage for 2-weeks this August has had to cancel and re-book for next year. So, this is rare opportunity to grab a week or two in the Peak School Holiday season in Cornwall.

Cherry Tree Cottage is a superb place to base yourselves to explore the delights and beaches of both Cornwall and Devon.

Nestled amidst the glorious north Cornish countryside in the village of Canworthy Water, and just 7 miles from the rugged breath-taking Heritage coastline at Crackington Haven, this delightful, well-equipped, spacious cottage is the perfect choice for family and friends to escape and relax in this tranquil location.

It comes with the shared use of our indoor Heated Swimming-Pool and Games Room (Darts, Table-football, Mini Pool Table/Table Tennis and TV).

A truly delightful cottage, don’t take our word for it, have a look at our web site https://www.barfieldholidaycottage.com/ and see what past guests have said. We are rated 9+ out of 10 by our agents and guests and have the certificates on the pool wall to prove it.

Rates are for 7-nights: - arrive Friday 11 August 2023 @ £ 2,350.00 or arrive Friday 18 august 2023

Please ring Sarah on 07740 639913 if you are interested.

Luxury Holiday Cottage in North Cornwall, Cherry Tree Cottage is a self-catering holiday cottage that sleeps up to 6 people near Bude.

28/04/2023

Luxury Holiday Cottage in North Cornwall, Cherry Tree Cottage is a self-catering holiday cottage that sleeps up to 6 people near Bude.

09/04/2023

With warmer weather on its way, I’ll be checking the ponds regularly for emerging large red damselflies. I love to photograph this extraordinary stage in their lifecycle, as the adult sheds its exoskeleton.

08/04/2023

SEA FEVER RESTAURANT AT THE ATLANTIC HOTEL, BUDE SEA FEVER RESTAURANT AT THE ATLANTIC HOTEL, BUDE.Sea Fever is on our personal list of preferred restaurants to eat at, because of the quality and flavours of the dishes Kyan… Continue ReadingSEA FEVER RESTAURANT AT THE ATLANTIC HOTEL, BUDE

08/04/2023

Another blog on Barfield Holiday Cottages web site "Sea Fever Restaurant, Bude

SEA FEVER RESTAURANT AT THE ATLANTIC HOTEL, BUDE SEA FEVER RESTAURANT AT THE ATLANTIC HOTEL, BUDE.Sea Fever is on our personal list of preferred restaurants to eat at, because of the quality and flavours of the dishes Kyan… Continue ReadingSEA FEVER RESTAURANT AT THE ATLANTIC HOTEL, BUDE