We have recently acquired some new additions to the chicken coop here at Mornacott.  With the help of the British Hen Welfare Trust we have given some ex battery hens a new lease of life 

When the chickens first arrived they looked a little sorry for themselves with combs flopped over and bald patches but within a few weeks of fresh air, sunshine and good food they soon picked up and happily started laying again.  Our hens provide the eggs for our delicious cakes and breakfast packs as well as for the full English breakfasts enjoyed by the teams that visit us during the shooting season.

 We have been delighted to welcome guests back to Mornacott since the lifting of lockdown and have been blessed with some truly glorious weather (although today we have heavy rain!).

We have made the most of the sunshine to capture some drone footage of the estate and we’re excited to be able to share it with you (please click the link below) and welcome to Mornacott!

youtu.be/TIAG8s5rsKg

In preparation for the end of lockdown we’ve been getting everything up and running after a long break. Supplies of specialist cleaning materials continue to arrive for our reopening on 4th July (Independence Day for both the UK and the USA this year!). This week we’ve also completed both the Visit England and AA COVID-19 readiness assessments recognising that our guests need assurance that their safety and that of our team is of paramount importance in the weeks and months ahead.

 It’s been very quiet at Mornacott for the last few months but in anticipation of the much trailed end of lockdown expected on 4th July we’ve been amasing supplies of special virucide cleaners and PPE, putting together training routines for our cleaners and undertaking risk assessments (today completing the AA’s Covid-Confident assessment). Now all that we need is for the glorious weather to hold up to ensure a great, long awaited, break for our visitors.

For many years we and our guests have struggled with BT’s risible broadband speeds which have frequently been as low as 1Mbps download and 0.3Mbps upload. We tried to resolve this under the Universal Service Obligation “con” with no luck so pre-lockdown we sorted a suitable alternative and now, thanks to Ashley and a colleague from Fli-Fi.co.uk we’re reaching speeds of up to 80Mbps download and 15Mbps upload. vive la difference!

It is hopefully auspicious that our biggest ever bull calf was born this morning exactly marking the half-way point in our calving period. After a brief spell of R&R mothers and babies are released from their winter quarters into luscious green fields of grass bursting with goodness. One of the delights at this time of year is to see our cows and calves turned out after their time indoors and their delighted reactions.

What a lovely time of year with new born calves and lambs cavorting around the fields enjoying their freedom and, this year, a very mild and sunny April and May. Such a shame that COVID-19 restrictions have meant that we have no holiday cottage guests to witness these magical moments.