lowermillestate

Starling Murmurations

Cotswolds , , , 0 Comment

There have been huge gatherings of starlings over Somerford Lagoon and Farmhouse Lake on the Lower Mill Estate in the Cotswolds over the last few days, amazing guests with their fabulous displays before coming in to roost in the reed beds. This is a great article giving tips about how to photograph their antics!

Some great advice on photographing murmurations



Starling spectacle: how to photograph the ‘aerial dance’ – in pictures
Starling murmations – seen at dusk between October and March – are one of the UK’s greatest natural wonders. Here photography experts give their tips on how to photograph the birds as they fly and swoop

 

What shall we do now?

Cotswolds , , , 0 Comment
Football pitch

How often does your heart sink when you hear those words from your children, or worse, “I’m bored.” There is no need for any such statements from children during a holiday with Cotswold Family Holidays. There is so much to keep them occupied. This is the newly built all weather football pitch…which is right next to a trampoline…which is right next to a tennis court…which is right next to a playground…which is right next to the Spa with heated indoor and outdoor pools. That should cover most bases for most ages of children. The only question now is which one will you use first!

 

 

Lower Mill Estate: Somerford Lagoon

Cotswolds , , , , 0 Comment
Lower Mill Estate: Somerford Lagoon

The Lower Mill Estate is a 550 acre estate and private nature reserve. It is made up of many lakes which each have their own character. The largest, Somerford Lagoon, is the lake that Daisy Chain looks out on. During the summer months it can be canoed and sailed on. During the winter it is closed to boating so that overwintering birds can use it without being disturbed, making it a great place for birdwatching. Other lakes can be used all year round. This photo was taken from Daisy Chain.

Somerford Lagoon Lower Mill Estate

 

 

Sunday Sunrise…turn the volume up!

Cotswolds , , , , , , , , , 0 Comment
Sunday Sunrise…turn the volume up!

A video for you this morning so that you can hear the dawn chorus. The forecast was for a grey start to the day on Friday, so when I peeked through the curtains at Daisy Chain just to check that there wasn’t a sunrise I was very excited to find this! When I opened the window the full sound of the dawn chorus was revealed! Enjoy 10 seconds of the magic of Daisy Chain.

 

Check this out on Google+

Watching Beavers in the Cotswolds

Cotswolds , , , , , 0 Comment

In 2005 six European beavers were released to Flagham Fen on the Lower Mill Estate in the Cotswolds. Since their arrival they have thrived, building beaver lodges, felling trees, digging a network of mini canals for easy transportation of logs and generally being as busy as, well, beavers!

It is a real treat to see the beavers – they are nocturnal so just before dawn or just after dusk are the most likely times of day to see them. The lake where they live is a 10 minute walk from Daisy Chain. As they glide through the water you spot the characteristic ‘v’ wave coming from the front of their head. Sometimes they turn and face you, staring into your eyes before arching their backs and diving silently under the water, where they can remain for up to 15 minutes at a time. It is a magical sight.

The linked video is a compilation of some of our sightings.

 

The Old Boathouse Pub, South Cerney

Cotswolds , , 0 Comment
The Old Boathouse Pub, South Cerney

This pub is built on the lakeside in Cotswolds Water Park, near the Gateway Centre, so boasts stunning views across the lake all year round. They are open all day, so you can pop in for a morning coffee, a quick pint, a hearty Sunday Lunch or a three course dinner! They use as many local suppliers as possible and have built up a good reputation in the area. Each Friday after 6pm, as well as their usual menu options, they have a Steak and Grill Night. There is decking outside so you can sit on the lakeside, and they welcome families and provide a playground for their use.

For more details visit: http://www.oldboathousepub.co.uk/

Posted by: http://www.cotswoldfamilyholidays.com

#oldboathousepub #cotswoldfamilyholidays #lowermillestate

 

Check this out on Google+

Anyone for a quiet read?

Cotswolds , 0 Comment
Anyone for a quiet read?

While staying at Daisy Chain you have full use of the Art Spa on the Lower Mill estate. The library is a wonderful haven of peace and tranquility. Chose a book, relax in one of the hanging chairs and while away a few hours. (While the rest of the Estate is very child friendly this space is strictly for adults only!)

Posted by http://www.cotswoldfamilyholidays.com

#artspa #lowermillestate

 

Check this out on Google+