Pecking Order

We had a little walk to our neighbour's house this morning. They live across the valley in a 2 1/2 acre smallholding where they keep hens, sheep and a stray rabbit. They are currently planting and fencing an orchard area where the hens can free range safely. After kindly donating some eggs, the hens in the photo wandered down to a formal seating area which contains a natural mill race and lots of interesting plants in pots.