Archived News

25th February 2009

The farm is a hub of activity now that the weather is milder and the rain has stopped.  The field work which has been on hold for weeks is finally under way.   We need to get the crops in the ground before we get too far behind.

Prior to cultivating, David will spray off the field weeds.  Recently he sprayed at Silent Pool, Homefield and Brick Field and tomorrow he will work at Park Farm.

Having ploughed the fields between West Lane and crossways, Roy then power harrowed to level off the sandy soil and firm it up a bit. David drilled the fields with wheat and Luke followed up, rolling the soil to help seal in the moisture (just in case it doesn’t rain for a few weeks).

Roy is now attempting to plough Brick Field, to the west of Whitedown Lane, but the soil is pretty sticky out there.

David is teaching Luke how to use the drill today so that Luke can get on next week and drill the fields at Paddington, north of the railway.

Yesterday Con O’Kelly continued coppicing the Hazel shaw and Dick, Sam and I went hedge planting in Abinger.  We have two hedgerows to plant, one is 200m long in Tank Field just above the cress beds and the other will be 400m long at Raikes Farm.

The hedges will each have two rows of trees and five trees per metre.  75% of the plants are Hawthorn and the remaining 25% are a mix of Field Maple, Dogwood, Blackthorn, Dog Rose and Hazel.  The sandy soil is full of rocks and not the best for cutting a slit in.  However Dick said he was happy on that job and worked steadily in front of Sam and I. 

It’s important to get the whips (young tree about 60-80cm long) carefully into the hole, not damaging the roots and ensuring the root collar is level with the ground. A small cane is placed next to the whip and the soil is heeled back in.  With the chance of more cold weather ahead it is crucial that we don’t leave gaps of air around the roots which could fill with water and freeze, possibly killing off the young tree. 

Once firmly in place, a spiral protector is gently twisted around the tree and cane.   This will protect the base of the trees from rabbits but unfortunately won’t save the tops from the more brainy bunnies which clamber up against the fence to nibble the tops of emerging trees.