As soon as lockdown eased, it’s been full steam ahead and the sunny East Neuk is buzzing with UK visitors from as near as the other end of Fife or as far away as London. It’s wonderful that they’re discovering how beautiful Britain, and in particular Fife, can be or reminded of how much it has to offer from blue flag beaches to long distance footpaths, National Nature Reserves to world class exhibitions, historic castles to fine dining.
Our rewilding project is in full flush just now; the trees and hedging are in full leaf and the oaks in particular look beautiful. Billowing clouds of cow parsley are shoulder high in places and tall grasses threaten to engulf the mown path. But there’s a reminder that the season is moving on as the rowan and elder berries are turning red, sloes are forming (can’t wait to be able to make our very own sloe gin) and the hazels are visible. We’re now waiting for a decision on a funding application to NatureScot to enable us to excavate a large pond with wetland area in one corner of the site that already regularly floods and to create one acre of wildflower meadow. These would be exciting additions which will greatly increase both plant and wildlife biodiversity. Fingers crossed.
This year has seen lots of the regular highlights on the calendar being cancelled. One in particular has been the Pittenweem Arts Festival however, there is still wonderful local art to be found at the Festival’s gallery, ART@47 which is hosting a series of mixed exhibitions, in a safe and welcoming environment. https://www.pittenweemartsfestival.co.uk/
Our popular Crail Putting Green is once again open for the summer, daily from 2-6 pm – just look for the pale green hut with the pink bunting on St Andrews Road.
Or of course if you want a full 18 holes of golf, Crail Golfing Society has two beautiful links courses which welcome visitors. https://crailgolfingsociety.co.uk/golf
The National Nature Reserve, The Isle of May, also continues to welcome visitors – booking is via Anstruther Pleasure Cruises https://www.isleofmayferry.com/times.php
You can enjoy seeing puffins and arctic terns (watch your head!) enjoy cliff top pathways and learn about the island’s history. See the Island’s blog for up-to-date info on what’s been happening. https://isleofmaynnr.wordpress.com/
And if you’ve become a convert to outdoor swimming over the pandemic, the Pittenweem tidal swimming pool has been spruced up and is proving very popular – apparently it’s best to swim from the two hours after high tide until two hours before the next high tide. I cannot vouch for the temperature of the water!
The Troustrie diary for August and into September still has a few dates available so check the on-line calendar or give us a call if you’ve any queries. At present we’re continuing to let only one room at any one time so everyone can feel safe.
I hope you continue to enjoy this beautiful summer and to perhaps see you at some point in the future.
