November on the farm & campsite at Boswarthen

Calves in their winter coats at Boswarthen Farm

​The year seems to be flying by, and now that Adrian and I have had our sixtieth birthdays, I don’t suppose it’s going to slow down anytime soon. Here in West Cornwall, we’ve been packing the safari tents away for winter, bringing in the outside furniture, and trimming and tidying the fields around the glamping site.
On the farm itself, the animals have grown their winter coats, and the youngsters — whether calves or the foal — look like little teddy bears. The weather can’t make its mind up either. One day it’s cold and wet, and the next it’s mild and sunny… perfect conditions for pneumonia, which is every farmer’s nightmare. The work is definitely harder with the driving rain and shorter days, it can also be a bit monotonous with the same daily routines.
The beef calves have been weaned from their mothers. Because we do it all at once in one big group, the noise levels were absolutely stratospheric. They’ve now headed out into the fields in their own group, where they’re fed food that’s more suitable for their age and will help them grow on properly.

Winter farm work in Cornwall definitely keeps us on our toes.
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As for last week’s Budget… I’ve yet to look into the details, if I’m honest. It scares me. I don’t believe this Government fully understands or supports farmers. I read that during the Second World War the UK had six weeks’ worth of food supply, and the Government of the time was worried — yet now we apparently have just six days. No doubt that figure is there partly to frighten people, but even so… importing isn’t the answer. Welfare standards are lower, and the labelling can be so misleading.
As we creep towards the end of November, I still haven’t opened bookings for next year at the glamping site. I can’t seem to get myself into the office to sort it all out.
(When I finally do, bookings will be available here.)
And of course, I also need to start writing and sending Christmas cards very soon. Any minute now, the Christmas songs will go into overdrive and the adverts will be doing their best to persuade us all to spend what little money we’ve got left.
If you enjoy these small updates from life here on our farm and glamping site near Penzance, keep an eye out — winter always manages to throw something unexpected our way.

Maddy x

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