What's Happening During Summer 2024

Hut 1 at Frugaldom

 So far, summer has eluded us here at Frugaldom. Yes, we have had several dry, warm, sunny days with time in between for some fabulous exploring and for our wildlife watchers, the overnight antics of our ever-growing badger clan have kept everyone entertained. The youngsters are all growing fast - badgers and fox cubs. Right now, it is pouring rain again but there is a badger cub sitting eating peanuts at the end of the decking of hut 1, several more cavorting around beneath the decking and 2 fox cubs mooching around the paddock. A pinr marten arrived to collect an egg from the bowl on the decking and at hut 3, our newest pine marten arrived at 6pm for peanut snacks. No doubt, our wildlife gang would also have visited hut 2. We are still inviting up to 10 individuals to join us as Happy Hutters and Wildlife Watchers here at Frugaldom.

IT IS EXPENSIVE RUNNING A WILDLIFE & NATURE PROJECT

Peanuts, of which we get through at least 25kg each month, are fast approaching £50 per bulk bag so we need more financial help. Inviting in campervans and motorhomes at £5 per night isn't even covering the cost of providing safe space for them to park, so things are going to be changing once our current licence expires. No more being open to the public 7 days a week, 365 days of the year. Our yard will revert to parking, turning and working space for Friends of Frugaldom who are actively supporting the project.

SANCTUARY PONIES

3 of the 4 rescued foals here since 2019

The four rescued foals are now five years old. After a rather shaky start, during which time BB Dobin was gone for 4 weeks without us knowing where he had been taken, he was finally delivered to Darcy's Equine Assisted Therapy Centre in Chapelton, which is near Strathaven in Lanarkshire. 

BB Dobin and his new friend, Carlos

Having done his preliminary training here at Frugaldom, BBD will now be schooled within a busy yard setting alongside working therapy ponies and the centre's other animals. Susan K. and Susan P. attended Darcy's to await the arrival of baby Dobbin and see him settled into his new quarters earlier this week.

Pine martens: 3 Spot, Comma and Jigsaw

Our wildlife surveillance project has been paying dividends with possibly 3 separate pine martens being recorded. We are absolutely delighted to have finally caught another pine marten on camera. 2 badgers have cubs and the fox vixen we though had only 1 cub has returned with 2, which is great news.  To share in all the news, updates, photos and videos, please join us via our funding page at www.ko-fi.com/Frugaldom We offer various options for Friends of Frugaldom, including Pony Partners, Wildlife Watchers and Happy Hutters with all funds raised contributing towards the feeding of the sanctuary animals and wildlife. 

PROJECT PROGRESS

• The pond has been receiving plenty of attention to recover it from the proliferation of duckweed.
• The new sand pit has been completed in the paddock
• New fence posts have been installed ready for replacing electric fencing in the corner field
• A length of post and rail fence has been built along the edge of the pond bog garden
• Wooden boards have been purchased for completing more fencing
• More nest boxes have been hung outside the barn
• An owl nest box has been donated and hung inside the barn
• A grand total of 35 campervans have visited and stayed overnight, year to date (Rethinking this one as it's not really financially feasible)
• Sage Cottage (one-bedroom cottage with separate storeroom and garden in Glenluce) has become vacant. On completion of work, it will be available for residential tenancy at around £400 per calendar month. Interested parties should contact Frugaldom @ gmail .com