John and Jack have been working restoring the old pond in Kennel field. It must be many years since this was last done. They also cleared the pond in Randolphs Orchard. Just in time before the rain comes.
Many more butterflies about now – mostly rather dull Meadow Browns and Cabbage Whites but here is one of the first Peacocks I have seen on the red clover in the Common . The clover is re-growing after being cut for silage and will soon be grazed by the lambs. Bees also getting busy again after a slow start but still not many about.
This is one of several visitors to the farm office this morning. I have to admit that the insect life we support is probably attracting them although I believe chickens have a spirit of adventure and just want to know what’s there – like the one that crossed the road.
There is some doubt surrounding the exact meaning of the phrase “Ne’er cast a clout till May be out” but this year the Hawthorn blossom seems to have arrived just at the time when it seems a good idea to “cast” winter woollies.
Talking of woollies the lambs are growing fast and we have already sheared the tegs. The main flock will be done in a couple of weeks.
You can read more about the origin and meaning of the phrase here.
Bluebells at their best – April 2016
J.Etches and sons working the plough down to a fine tilth with their rotary harrow. It will be sown with our home-grown red clover seed. This 55 acre block of land at the Common will grow a clover and grass mixture that will be cut as silage and used to feed our cattle over the winter. At the same time the clover, being a legume, will build up the fertility of the soil ready for the next rotation when it will return to growing wheat again in 3 or 4 years’ time.
