On the Beaters Cart

We've had a very pleasant day. The weather was wonderful, the views superb and oodles of wildlife to see. This is a moment on the beaters cart as we are ferried between drives in an old train wagon. We all look a motley crew in clothes designed to withstand all weather, the dirt and the dogs that climb all over us. We all know each other dressed in this attire and meeting people in normal day to day clothing is almost shocking!

The number of fungi species in the park today was incredible. I brought home a few Horse Mushrooms and some of the first Blewits I've seen. There were also Shaggy Ink Caps, Parasol Mushrooms, various Boletes and a wonderful specimen of Beafsteak fungus, amongst many others that are more or less edible or poisonous. I'll go back during the week to get some blips, but it is clear this is going to be a bumper year.

Lady D took one dog on a lead whilst I worked the other and both behaved. I'm convinced they will have to work separately for a while until Cocoa stops bugging his mother and learns what he is supposed to be doing on his own. This is the first season I've let him work and he is still young.
Lady D preferred minding Maera as she was happy enough away from my side, but Cocoa, who is perfectly capable of walking without pulling on a lead, lengthened her arm a few inches as he desperately tried to get back to my side. He slipped her on one occasion and came belting down the hillside, looking for me in a state of panic.

Lady D's request was to have some pheasant to take back to Uni, to share with her flat mates. Having dealt with three brace on a large plastic sheet in front of the fire, she has hopefully enough to supply a few delicious meals. She was careful to keep aside the offal, now preserved in alcohol, to give to a fine art student who intends setting them in resin!! Watch out world, there is a new Damien Hurst on the horizon!