The latest edition to the Apple Orphanage family!  Mildred is a Large Black pig, a traditional British breed currently labelled 'vulnerable' by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust .  They are an infamously hardy breed (a point she's proven well having coped with ease through the arctic-like weather we've had this Winter!).

Since they were first introduced the two pigs have been getting on infamously, much to our relief, although Mildred has definitely asserted herself as the dominant sow (which is no surprise given her size!).  But as you can see she's still a big softy...

Lazy pig!

Today we have given the two little piggies their first Apple Orphanage task.  Day tripping to the wooded area next to the orchard, our now forest pigs are doing their very best to overturn soil and uproot stumps in preparation for extending the orchard; hopefully in time for some new arrivals that we have on the way.

Go for it girls!

On a separate note, if anyone out there is interested in learning how to graft apple trees to extend (or begin) your own orchard, then why not come along to Native Oak Group's half day grafting course this Sunday; at the end of the day you'll go home with your very own grafted apple tree!  We'll certainly be there - the more apple trees we can plant, the better!  Find out more information from Facebook.  Hope to see you there!