The Hill Bakery

07/07/2026

Huge thanks to Emile and Julia from Exeter University’s Moth Virome Project, who set up a moth trap in our orchard last night and found an extraordinary abundance and variety of the things. Among them are poplar hawk, elephant hawk, bear moth, large emerald and rosy footman. The buff-tail, which looks like a bit of twig, was certainly a new one for us!

03/06/2026

Thrilled to see that the rare and beautiful marsh fritillary butterfly - which you can see at Dunsdon National Nature Reserve - is one of 18 species on the Bank of England’s shortlist for the new UK banknotes. Now it’s open to public vote, so let’s make it happen! The Wildlife Trusts have provided a handy summary and link to the voting page at https://I1nq.com/3sdfzei

23/04/2026

Bluebells are looking pretty fine up in our woods just now

12/04/2026

Possibly the best news I’ve heard in a decade or more…

27/03/2026

So, a few days ago, this pair of reprobates turned up on my doorstep, demanding food, shelter and cider. A lot of cider. Since they happen to be two of my absolute baking heroes, I was in no position to refuse.
Thanks for the fun, and Rick Coldman - we must do it again soon!

05/02/2026

Another fabulous meal at - glazed duck leg with blackberry puree, lamb rump with courgette & pea fricassee and pepper & feta tapenade, plus an extraordinary ruby chocolate parfait. My dining companion assures me the vegan dishes were equally exquisite. Thank you Daniel and Toni!

21/01/2026

A kestrel has been scoping out the wildlife tower today. Sadly he was trying to get in the little owl box, which is a bit snug. If he’d looked about a foot higher up, he’d have found the kestrel box. Do**us.

20/01/2026

Nice aurora show last night, thank you Sun. It did occur to me to wonder whether aliens had landed at first…

05/01/2026

This is one reason I hate shopping in Morrisons

30/11/2025