It is officially spring this month and we couldn’t be happier. Hopefully we can say good riddance to storms and cold and hello to a little spring warmth. I hope you can take a minute to catch up on the upcoming March Events in Cornwall together with the latest holiday farm news from us.

Spring holiday availability

If you are thinking of coming away for the Easter break we are now full on week commencing 4th April but have a few spaces still in the weeks either side of this if you are quick. The same is true of the May half term week from 23rd May. We have just 2 properties still available then. If you miss out on these, remember we still offer weekend’s right through to the last week of June for a little farm escape.

 February Half Term

Half term saw our first busy week of the year. It was lovely to see the farm buzzing with laughter and children running freely here.  We had some lovely feed runs with Farmer Nick and myself as Farmer Fi. Later in the week Farmer Theo who took over from us while we took our triplets away to catch up with family in Sussex. It’s fair to say the weather was not always in our favour. Frequent showers meant wet weather gear was needed by everyone. That said, I congratulate all the children and adults who regularly joined the morning feed run regardless of the rain. 

The train is up and running

The train has taken its first passengers on the new line this half term. The line isn’t quite complete, but we managed to get enough track laid down to give it a good test. It is now a door to door service from your lodge to the tractor and trailer in the morning, with a return trip for those completing the feed run.

 More creativity for the Fairy Garden

Last month I shared the newly painted stones. This month has been all about fairy log houses. I’m so pleased with how these have turned out I think I will undercoat  some smaller logs and let the children loose to create their own with poster paint here in activity hour this season.

Spring grass

The animals are enjoying the new season grass already and the lawnmowers have been out a couple of times already in the past month keeping the garden lawns in shape. All we need now are the first spring lambs and I’ll really feel the new season is with us.

Was that a tornado?

In contrast to the generally benign winter weather this year, Storm Ciara left her mark. We had an easy time of her apart from a freak tornado that ripped through the valley on the afternoon of the 10th February. Our chicken house was uprooted from its concrete base along with a wheelbarrow and hurled over the 8ft Jurassic park fencing. A whole line of trees came down up the ravine knocking out 2 lines of electric cable and leaving us without power until late in to the night. Thankfully we were between guest visits and only had to worry about lighting our own log burner for warmth, light and cooking. Western Electric had us back on line late evening and we spent the next day clearing debris. Thankfully the chickens were all in their indoor quarters, where they will be staying until Farmer Nick rebuilds their summer shelter. Fingers crossed for no more drama and a smooth ride into spring. 

March Events Cornwall 2020 

Nb: I have not been paid or sponsored to mention these places, they are just the March Events Cornwall 2020 that I feel would be of interest to Coombe Mill Guests.

With all good wishes for a happy March

Fiona x

There are a fascinating collection of creatures living alongside us in our urban areas. Nature has a remarkable way of adapting to the environment we have created. For the benefits of young minds, who better than Lonely Planet Kids to uncover the wild side of cities around the world. Do you know someone who would enjoy Wild in the City? Read on to discover more about this lovely book and for your chance to win a copy.  

About Wild in the City

Animals from all over the world have learnt to adapt to the growing urbanisation of our planet. In Wild in the City some surprising animals, together with their clever behaviour are uncovered.  Did you know that the friendly English fox likes to hop on the capital’s busses and tubes? While their natural diet is berries and small mammals, they have learned to rummage through the city bins for our throw away food scraps too. We are not the only city with animals prowling the street at night; discover the leopards in Mumbai, mountain Lions in Los Angeles and deer in Japan. This lovely book looks at how they survive and how you can help them, it also covers bugs, birds and reptiles, so there is plenty to explore wherever you live or travel.  

What we Love

• Educational: the book is packed with fascinating facts in child friendly small chunks. 
  
  
• Engaging: From paw prints to poo kids will be taken by the animal kingdom living next door to us.
  
  
• Beautifully illustrated: Every bite sized section has an accompanying image
  
  
• Logical lay out: Sectioned by Mammals, birds, reptiles and bugs. Also contains a helpful glossary, Index and double spread on how you can help or city friends.

Need to Know

Taster video of Wild in the City Book

Win your copy of Wild in the City with Lonely Planet Kids and Coombe Mill

For your chance to win this delightful non- fiction book for a young animal enthusiast with an interest in travel, simply follow the instructions below. Good luck to all taking part.

Hidden Wonders from Lonely Planet Kids

Disclosure

We were sent a copy of the Wild in the City book for the purpose of this review, however all thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own. Our copy of the book is available to borrow from the Coombe Mill Games Room for our holiday guests.   

If you have a young budding animal lover in your house, I may have found the perfect book. Aimed at Age 6 plus “The Surprising Lives of Animals” is a wonderful insight into animal behaviour, their environment and the characteristics they have in common with us humans. Pitched at young learners the book aims to educate and delight young minds whilst capturing their imagination. Do you know someone who would enjoy this book? Read on to discover more and for your chance to win a copy.  

About The Surprising Lives of Animals

Animals from all over the world are brought to you in this wonderful book of discovery. See which baby animals enjoy a little play time just like us from chase to tobogganing! Find out about the love they share, the baths they enjoy, the clever ones and the sneaky characters. There are so many comparisons to draw with humans; it will captivate any youngster with an animal connection.

What we Love

• Educational
• Engaging
• Beautifully illustrated
• Bite sized digestible pieces of information
• Helpful glossary and further reading suggestions

Need to Know

Taster video of The Surprising Lives of Animals Book

Win your copy of The Surprising Lives of Animals with Quarto Kids and Coombe Mill

For your chance to win this delightful non- fiction book for the young animal enthusiast in your live, simply follow the instructions below. Good luck to all taking part.

Surprising lives of animals

Disclosure

We were sent a copy of the Surprising Lives of Animals book for the purpose of this review, however all thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own. Our copy of the book is available to borrow from the Coombe Mill Games Room for our holiday guests.