It has been a glorious Spring day, we’d not be hasty enough to say the worst of the weather is over, oh no, snow as late as April is entirely possible.
But we enjoyed the beauty of the moment, listening to croaking frogs in the pond, watching bees feasting in pussy willow.
Sad news recently reached us, that Tim Green of Village Farm, East Portlemouth South Devon (a village with a special place in the hearts of clan Uphilldowndale) has tragically died in an accident on the farm; we send our condolences to Rebecca, Tim’s family, all at Village Farm and the community of East Portlemouth; sad and difficult times. There is a beautiful tribute to Tim on the Village Farm website. I’m sure his memory and passion will live on at Village Farm.
I suspect few of us give a second thought when we sit down to our meals of the risks faced on a daily basis by the farming community. Working with machinery and livestock will always present dangers, sadly this February has been particularly harrowing
Uphilldowndale 
The news you shared is so sad — and yet I’m glad you shared it, because it led me to the Village Farm site. It’s wonderful work they’re doing. Just Monday night, I was at a meeting where the speaker also was focusing on developing habitats — at schools. One person, one community, one group at a time, changes are coming.
I’ve seen ice and snow here in London during April, albeit a long time ago. Sorry to read the sad news, and I agree with your last paragraph. xx
We thought spring had arrived earlier as well but the last few days have proved otherwise. Nevertheless the huge flock of geese in the fields have now split into pairs, with the inevitable to follow.
I think it’s only country people who really appreciate just how dangerous farming is. My neighbouring farmer talks of depressed and lonely farming friends taking their own lives and suffering terrible injuries in totally unavoidable freak accidents – nature and machinery is extremely unforgiving.
Agreed, it can be a very dangerous environment.
What a very sad news for all those who loved Tim and truly appreciate all his work to bring changes. A beautiful tribute to Tim too. May his efforts and spirit live on.