it’s not always straightforward. “The hens can be very naughty. They peck at your flower seeds! I’ve had to turn a few flower beds into rockeries.”

And there’s beef. “We currently have a situation where my ducks and hens are battling it out over their feed. The ducks march up from the pond at the bottom of the hill to take the hens’ feed. So then the hens stomp down to the pond and eat the ducks’ food in revenge. It’s hilarious!” Does the occasional egg make up for all the drama? “Yes. My husband is the family cook. He makes beautiful scrambled eggs for breakfast. Plus I always give my eggs to friends and family. I have my very own stamp which I put on each egg, and a little sticker on our egg boxes.”

Any famous recipients? “Lots of people have had my eggs. I’m afraid I can’t mention names. I’m sure you can probably guess.” On that note, your correspondent can’t help but wonder aloud if Mel’s hens have ever been privy to a private performance of the odd Spice Girls banger. “They might have heard the odd tune,” Mel says coyly. “But to be honest, I’m way more interested in listening to their clucking and chatter! They’re such magical creatures.” Imagine that. Scary Spice taking a back seat to her feathered friends. “Honestly,” she says, “I’m never happier than when I’m out in my fields in my high-vis dungarees feeding my animals, tramping across my land in my wellies with my dogs. “As a Spice Girl I never knew where life was going to take me. But I’m so happy life has brought me here.”