The hafod on the hill

Once in a while I like to revisit this ruined farm, a summer dwelling for the shepherds and cattlemen who brought  their beasts to the upland pastures. No long-distance transhumance such as traditonally undertaken by the migratory Vlaches of the Balkans and  the Mediterranean pastoralists who sought cooler grazing for their animals - this is just a few miles across Brynberian common, with the 'hendre' home base probably stll visible beyond the moorland.

A cluster of patchwork fields provides fresh pasture for the cows while the sheep could roam free on the hill after lambing. Sturdy housing for people and animals was built in the local stone and trees (massive now) were planted to provide shade. 

I wonder how many folk would have stayed awake to watch the moon rise through the branches, knowing that there would be an early start the following morning?

(I blipped the same place in April 2012, with more explanation of transhumance.)


My thanks for your comments on the clover field and poem . As usual I may not get around to replying individually.