Thanks to the clement weather earlier in the year there was a very successful lambing season with minimum fatalities and few predations. Shearing of the Hampshire downs and crossbreds stared earlier this month and will be finished by 14th May.
The very dry weather in April retarded the growth of the spring grass. The decision was made to retain the cattle in their barns with winter feed for longer than usual. However, the much needed recent rain has accelerated grass growth and the cattle are at last in the pastures.
The very early sowing of the spring cereals turned out to be an excellent decision as the rain in March stimulated growth. The rain in the last 2 weeks has come at just the right time and the fields are looking very healthy.
The Cleveland Bays wintered well and 2 pure-bred foals are eagerly anticipated in the next 2 to 3 weeks. A stallion was entered in the King George Vth Cleveland Bay Stallion Champoinship Show at the University of Lincoln.
This has been a wonderful spring for wildlife. Hares abound all over the estate and migratory birds are back in numbers. Next time we hope to report on the progress of our lapwings and of course the stone curlew pairs for whom special breeding areas have been set aside.
