November – marks the beginning of the Treshnish farming calendar, in keeping with the start of nature’s annual cycle.
We move the ewes to the in-bye fields (low ground) to mate with the tups (rams). Sheep grazing at this time of the year helps to tidy up the pasture after the cattle and improves the habitat for next year’s wild flowers. The cows are still out on the hill to benefit from ‘deferred grazing’ found there and keep the grass from getting rank. On sunny south facing slopes, their footprints in the earth help provide suitable habitats for the beautiful daytime flying Six Spot Burnet Moth.
A good time for spotting Golden Eagle and Tawny Owl. Prasad’s book “Birds of Treshnish and North Mull” will help inform what you might see and where.
November is a peaceful time of year for visitors to come and stay in our cottages on Mull. You can walk for miles among the hills without seeing another living soul, apart from herds of wild red deer and the blackface sheep.
At this time of year some of our guests opt for a longer stay, taking advantage of low rents for longer lets. The quietness of the island, and in particular our location, can be just the right place for contemplation, retreats, work sabbaticals, or just enjoying some peace and quiet.
Why not pick up some early traditional Christmas fayre at the annual Christmas producers market in Dervaig? Return to the warm fireside of your cosy cottage to savour some undisturbed time to read that long awaited book? Even if the late Autumn storms abound, their wild howling gales can be enjoyed from within the warm heart of any of our cottages on Mull.
Find out more about November on Mull
