A Hidden Gem
The approach to Baugh Farm House is down a small lane.
If you bear right just past the gate to the house you cross a 15th century pack-bridge that spans the Leap river (which looks more like a stream) at the bottom of the property.
This valley - The Leap Valley - is a conservation area and was known from 1327; there is some evidence that in the past there was a water mill and pond there. It is also a haven for wild life - there are badgers, grey squirrels, fox and pipistrelle bats. There are at least 10 recorded species of butterfly, and 17 species of grass; the wet meadow supports Silverweed and Meadowsweet (which was used as a strewing herb - a home deodoriser - in the past.) Kingfishers have been seen there, Grey Wagtails, and Mallards - possibly attracted by the sticklebacks and frogspawn. The area is a valuable way station for migrating birds - Snipe and Water Rail often overwinter there and in the summer birds are attracted to the Blackthorn thickets and the many trees. In the summer trees provide a green canopy round most of the house.