Farming
Winter maintenance work continues in the workshop. We are currently extending our seed drill to enable us to cover more ground when conditions allow. After our very cold spell and then very wet weather, it is difficult to predict when we will be able to drill our spring crops. Hopefully, we will have something positive to report next month. Hedge cutting along the roads and tracks, and wood sides continues and where the ground is dry enough. This is in accordance with current rules and we have to finish at the end of February so as not to disturb nesting birds. Some hedges are cut on alternate sides either two or three years apart.
The fields sown to the clover/grass mixture will be grazed by sheep late this year, before being drilled to cereals as the first step to Organic Conversion.
Estate
We have had virtually no movement on the commercial and residential property occupancy. The businesses based on the estate are all valiantly battling on through this Covid pandemic. The only residential change is that the Golden Lodge is now occupied.
Woodlands
I reported last month on our proposals for the woods this year. We are currently awaiting Felling Licence Approval from the Forestry Commission in order to undertake the proposed work. Our current Plan of Operations expires next year so we will, over the next few months, be planning for future work over the next five to ten years.
Ride
The going is very wet and sticky so few people are making use of the ride at present. In normal circumstances we would have liked to have closed it due to the wet conditions. However, in favour of keeping members off the roads, and hopefully encouraging people to keep riding for mental health and the welfare of horses in these strange times. We are looking forward to sunshine and the end of Lock Down so we can enjoy the Park and Rides in the summer!
Paddock maintenance has been rather busy this month with fencing and shelter repairs, tenants are being advised to limit grazing due to wet weather in order to protect pasture.
Park and Ride dates for 2021
9th May
4th July
8th August
12th September
NGH
Winter maintenance work continues in the workshop. We are currently extending our seed drill to enable us to cover more ground when conditions allow. After our very cold spell and then very wet weather, it is difficult to predict when we will be able to drill our spring crops. Hopefully, we will have something positive to report next month. Hedge cutting along the roads and tracks, and wood sides continues and where the ground is dry enough. This is in accordance with current rules and we have to finish at the end of February so as not to disturb nesting birds. Some hedges are cut on alternate sides either two or three years apart.
The fields sown to the clover/grass mixture will be grazed by sheep late this year, before being drilled to cereals as the first step to Organic Conversion.
Estate
We have had virtually no movement on the commercial and residential property occupancy. The businesses based on the estate are all valiantly battling on through this Covid pandemic. The only residential change is that the Golden Lodge is now occupied.
Woodlands
I reported last month on our proposals for the woods this year. We are currently awaiting Felling Licence Approval from the Forestry Commission in order to undertake the proposed work. Our current Plan of Operations expires next year so we will, over the next few months, be planning for future work over the next five to ten years.
Ride
The going is very wet and sticky so few people are making use of the ride at present. In normal circumstances we would have liked to have closed it due to the wet conditions. However, in favour of keeping members off the roads, and hopefully encouraging people to keep riding for mental health and the welfare of horses in these strange times. We are looking forward to sunshine and the end of Lock Down so we can enjoy the Park and Rides in the summer!
Paddock maintenance has been rather busy this month with fencing and shelter repairs, tenants are being advised to limit grazing due to wet weather in order to protect pasture.
Park and Ride dates for 2021
9th May
4th July
8th August
12th September
NGH