Coppicing and Pony Riding at the Grandparent's Farm

When we were in Scotland at my partner's parent's farm last weekend there was ample opportunity for outdoor play and the weather was very kind to us - it barely rained at all. We spent a lot of time in Grandad's little wood, which he had planted over 20 years ago.

Now that the trees are getting more mature there is a lot of work to be done thinning out where new trees have sprouted too densely, and removing dead trees, fallen trees and dead branches.

The little boys got to watch Grandad work with an axe and chainsaw, and help remove some of the dead wood. I believe it's far better to teach children to behave safely rather than just stay away, and I also think it's right that if they get to enjoy something, they appreciate the work that has gone into it. So they helped.

It's a mug!

 

There was even a bit of wildlife rescue - a toad who (it was decided by our 4 year old) needed taking nearer to a stream or pond

 

After all of that hard work a hearty lunch and then some time with Grandma's Shetland Ponies. Most of the time the ponies don't have any suitable riders around, so they're also trained to pull a cart.

 

The 4 year old expert

 

The 3 year old novice!

 The children know they have to help look after the ponies if they want to ride them, but I don't think they find grooming and watering a chore anyway!

 

We had a great time while we were away, my partner's parents live in a very beautiful place and we're very lucky to be able to go and enjoy it with them.

I'm linking up this post with Coombe Mill's Country Kids