A further spell of dry weather over the past few weeks accompanied by cold nights combined to inhibit grass growth. However, the pastures have responded to the recent rains and the general rise in temperature. Grass cutting is underway and one clamp of silage has been completed. The start of the second clamp has been delayed slightly as we identify the nesting sites of Corn Buntings prior to cutting the grass.
The dairy cows are milking well even though the grass is quite short. The first few batches of crossbred and Hampshire Down lambs have been sold. There is good demand for organically grown lamb and Cholderton produce features in a top grade London outlet. Yesterday the first Cleveland foal of the season, a filly, was born. There will be more to come.
The spring barley is looking remarkably good considering the unusual weather pattern of the past few months and compares very favourably with the conventional non-organic crops on neighbouring farms. The winter oats have profited from the recent rains.
The 5 pairs of Corn Buntings on the estate are more than have been seen for years and considerable care is being taken to ensure that their breeding cycle is completed successfully. The Lapwing flock is now growing. The 41 counted last week have increased to 52 including 17 fledged juveniles. One unfledged juvenile is in the same field. A Red Start and a newly fledged chick were spotted a few days ago. The Stone Curlews have bred again this year and the chicks are prospering in the areas set aside for them.
Last weekend we hosted a visit from members of the Reading Natural History Society. They spent the whole day touring the estate seeing how we protect wildlife habitats and promote biodiversity within the context of managing a commercially viable organic farming enterprise. Next week we look forward to welcoming the Hampshire Organic Gardeners to the estate.
