And just like that, we are into autumn. This year has gone quickly, and while we have managed to get a lot done on the smallholding, I am not sure I am ready for winter just yet. Like most of the UK, I am enjoying the last of the late sunshine and dry days.

The final lot of fencing is complete, ensuring all the paddocks are fully enclosed and that the ponies and donkeys have space to exercise while their grass intake is restricted, which is essential to prevent them from succumbing to the dreaded laminitis.

The sheep will have their second shearing on 12th October, ensuring their fleeces will have grown back sufficiently before the cold winter months are upon us, and the pigs will have new, warm bedding in their arks, which will be topped up regularly as and when needed. The goats are enjoying the last of the warm days and seem to hope they last as long as possible, as they absolutely hate the rain and prefer to stay in their shelters when the clouds open.

Although it has been lovely to have long, hot summer days, I have to admit I am at my happiest when the temperatures cool down and I can be outside working without the risk of sunburn. The animals also suffer in the heat, and it is always a battle to keep them hydrated and sheltered from the sun. They become lethargic and give up trying to do anything except stay in the shade. Now they are happily roaming the paddocks, with the donkeys playfully tugging on an old Wellington boot and the ponies galloping around the sand turnout area – an absolute joy to watch.

Autumn inevitably brings the long walks through the fields and along the lanes with our four dogs in tow, collecting berries from the hedgerows to make pies and jam that we will be feasting on for months to come.

Goats sheltering from the rain

Donkeys enjoying dry days in the paddock

Autumn walks and foraging

It is also a time to start thinking about the coming winter and what needs to be done in preparation for when the weather does turn, because it will, without a doubt. When the rain starts to come down, there is no saying when it will stop. The long summer days will be a distant memory, and I will be pulling on my waterproofs every time I leave the house rather than skipping out in shorts and a t-shirt!

All the fencing, gates and shelters will be checked over the coming weeks to ensure they are all in good working order before winter. The stables will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected in time for the ponies and donkeys to be housed indoors more. My three miniature Mediterranean donkeys have a large stable, big enough for them to walk around with ease, whilst giving them space to eat, play and sleep. They will spend much more time inside in winter than the ponies, who originate from the Shetland Isles and are more than happy to persevere with the wind and rain. Although when I open the stable door and they see a deep bed of shavings and dinner waiting, they are just as quick to trot inside!



You can find Allison on Instagram countryliving_writer or visit her website here