Lynn in Bristol Posted April 16, 2007 Share Posted April 16, 2007 Back on Saturday from a FABULOUS week on Lundy Island! (That's in the Bristol Channel, though the weather was positively Mediterranean). No roads, cars, TV, radio etc, just good food, far too much drink, loads of fresh air and exercise. All the animals survived without us. On arrival, went to (only ) shop to stock up on food. They have a small flock of free range hens there, but the space on the shelf where their eggs should have been was empty! There was a note there to the effect that as the hens were rather elderly, they were not laying particularly well, but that hopefully, when they realised the alternative, they might buck their ideas up. Left the shop with half formed idea to sponsor the entire flock to stop their premature demise. I needn't have worried. Found the farmer, Kevin, the next day, knee deep in lambs (Ahhh, cute) and questioned him about the hens. He explained that they were all ex-battery, and that he hadn't replaced the older ones last year because of the threat of bird flu. Later in the week, we managed to get hold of a dozen island eggs, and they were just scrummy (nearly as good as our own). We visited the girls every day, and I'm sure they got to recognise us, judging by the speed they crossed the field towards us. What a wonderful place for ex-battery hens to end their days. There are no foxes, rats or other predators, except perhaps the odd bird of prey. They share a large field with several runner ducks and three noisy geese. There are also two black hens, Henny and Penny, who are completely free range. Apparently they know when the day trippers are due, and lie in wait for s"Ooops, word censored!"s. Will post pictures when I've got through the mounds of washing, and have a moment! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted April 16, 2007 Share Posted April 16, 2007 Sounds absolutely wonderful Lynn. I have this vision in my head now of those lucky little hens scurrying about on a cliff top field with sea views ending their days on a sunny Devon island......warms the cockles of your heart doesnt it!! It would be fab to see some pictures. Glad our Devon weather was kind to you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
red Posted April 16, 2007 Share Posted April 16, 2007 Sounds great - Lundy is lovely isn't it . Did you camp or stay in one of the buildings? We live in North Devon and can walk to the coast path in about 10 minutes where there is a fantastic view of Lundy Did you get there on the Oldenburg? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted April 16, 2007 Share Posted April 16, 2007 oh I'm so jealous I did a working holiday with the National Trust on Lundy some years ago, and I'd love to go back, it really is beautfiful there (and isn't it wonderful when the day trip people go back and you are STAYING there!) what a lovely place for battery hens to see out their days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harveypup Posted April 17, 2007 Share Posted April 17, 2007 Sounds lovely Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gallina Posted April 17, 2007 Share Posted April 17, 2007 Are all the little islands around the coast of Britain free from foxes? They must be chicken paradise. I wonder which is the biggest island that is fox free? I imagine that the Isle of Wight has foxes. (By the way, the Australians must hate us for introducing foxes there just so that hunters could have some fun.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted April 17, 2007 Share Posted April 17, 2007 And rabbits Gallina! Your stay on Lundy sounds smashing Lynn in Bristol. Am looking forward to the pics! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lynn in Bristol Posted April 24, 2007 Author Share Posted April 24, 2007 Right, finally got the kids back to school, tidied the house and loaded on the 170 odd holiday photos. This is my first attempt at pictures so bear with me! First the ex-bats in their field: http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w129/reynoldslp/167_6737.jpg Henny (or is it Penny?) lurking in the pub garden: http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w129/reynoldslp/167_6766.jpg couldn't resist this one: http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w129/reynoldslp/167_6750.jpg and finally, our holiday accomodation (honesty!): http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w129/reynoldslp/166_6690.jpg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lynn in Bristol Posted April 24, 2007 Author Share Posted April 24, 2007 Attempt 2, hopefully with pictures in message! First the ex-bats in their field: Henny (or is it Penny?) lurking in the pub garden: couldn't resist this one: and finally, our holiday accomodation (honesty!): Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted April 24, 2007 Share Posted April 24, 2007 Great pics Lynn. thanks ! LOVE the lambs, and dont the ex batts look in fab condition. What was it like staying in the lighthouse? did you have it all to yourselves? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theherd123 Posted April 24, 2007 Share Posted April 24, 2007 Wonderful pictures! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chocchick Posted April 24, 2007 Share Posted April 24, 2007 Sounds lovely, I bet it stopped you missing your own chickens so much as well I noticed in your signature your poor husband is neglected with the large number of animals Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lynn in Bristol Posted April 24, 2007 Author Share Posted April 24, 2007 Lighthouse (or rather the building behind it) is split into the two original flats which would have housed the keepers families. The tower (disused so no light) is open to everyone. OH went up there one night after a few pints of cider and fell asleep in a deckchair. The lighthouse is about a ten minute walk from the pub across fields - kids loved getting home in the dark with torches. Lambs were great, and we were always welcome in the lambing shed - strangely we always 'just missed' a birth. Everyone on the island went ga-ga over the lambs, but I think we were the only ones who noticed the hens! We've already booked to go back next Easter Gratuitous sunset picture: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cate in NZ Posted April 24, 2007 Share Posted April 24, 2007 It looks amazing and sounds like a brilliant holiday Lynn. Thanks for sharing the photos with us Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnnieP Posted April 24, 2007 Share Posted April 24, 2007 Wow! I want to go there! Thanks for sharing the pictures. I love seeing what other people have been up to! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted April 24, 2007 Share Posted April 24, 2007 That looks fab Lynn. Lambie looks like he needs a hug though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bronze Posted April 24, 2007 Share Posted April 24, 2007 Lovely pics was it a landmark trust place you stayed in? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lynn in Bristol Posted April 25, 2007 Author Share Posted April 25, 2007 Yes it was Landmark Trust. Not the cheapest holiday in the world but worth every penny. Trip across on the MS Oldenburg is brilliant, great start to the holiday, the crew are brilliant (on our first trip across, in October 2005 we were all very sick - we had just watched the Movie 'A Perfect Storm' it was like that!) Lundy is really brilliant, you all should go there, but keep it secret! Glad you like the photos, only another 175 left to show you! Only kidding! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted April 25, 2007 Share Posted April 25, 2007 they would have to charter a plane for me to get across. Have absolutely no sea legs whatsoever. HATE boats of any kind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen & co. Posted April 25, 2007 Share Posted April 25, 2007 What great photos karen x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lynn in Bristol Posted April 25, 2007 Author Share Posted April 25, 2007 There's a helicopter - runs in winter and when the weather's too bad for the boat - judging by our first trip, that has to be really bad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted April 25, 2007 Share Posted April 25, 2007 no helicopters either im such a fusspot arent I ?!! im very queasy on any modes of transport. My mum is the same....she was a special police constable and was very sick in the police helicopter ....so I would be the same! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lynn in Bristol Posted April 25, 2007 Author Share Posted April 25, 2007 Helicopter and general anaesthetic? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted April 25, 2007 Share Posted April 25, 2007 great ! Im sorted then ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
red Posted April 25, 2007 Share Posted April 25, 2007 We'll have to slip you a Mickey Finn in your milk Chelsea - like BA from the A team Anyone interested in flying there - look here for Lomas helicopters. Lundy is lovely but don't tell too many people about it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...