Have you noticed that the days are getting longer? We are seeing glimmers of hope emerging on our verges in the form of daffodils and snowdrops too, it really is those lovely pops of colour that make us long for some summer sun!
Anyway, back to reality and on to the farm… It’s not only the Spring flowers appearing, we are certainly seeing the new crop growth in many of the fields planted last year – a positive sign that despite all of the rain fall we will still have plenty to combine in the Summer!
When the ground does dry up enough, we still have 100 acres of Spring Beans and Barley to sow.
Lambing is finally underway, (we don’t mind admitting there was a slight mix up with the dates this year, so we were very excited when our first lambs eventually arrived!). It has been an interesting start, but things are most definitely moving in the right direction, and we can’t wait to see them playing around in the grassy fields soon.
The cattle remain in their winter housing and will continue to do so until calved – due next month, by which time the ground will have started to dry up a little. Although it may not be the most natural of lifestyles at this time of year, it keeps them happy and out of the mud! It also protects the future grazing pastures from damage.
Moving over to Battlefield, it’s been a busy February at the farm shop. For Shrove Tuesday this year, our team of chefs created a bespoke pancake menu filled with some delicious sweet & savoury varieties. Customers were particularly fond of the creamy garlic mushroom filled crepes, but our personal favourite has to be the banoffee and salted pecan option. Valentine’s day swiftly followed pancakes, with beautifully matured steaks, sharing deli boxes and dessert dipping boxes which were incredibly popular – they were as delicious as they looked! The teams will soon be very busy preparing our special offerings for Mother’s Day & Easter next month, so stay tuned for details on those.
We are excited to welcome back Blossom & Bloom to the farm shop this Spring. This locally based florist will be setting up in our Wood Shed for a weekend of wreath workshops on the 17th March.
Blossom & Bloom will also be hosting a pop up floristry in the Woodshed on the 8th & 9th March where you can purchase beautiful hand tied bouquets for Mother’s Day alongside potted plants and other gifts.
Across site we are scheduling a list of repairs and renovations over the coming weeks and months, so no doubt you will see me around the site with paint brush in hand- do stop and say hello! There are a number of exciting announcements coming soon which I look forward to telling you more about next month, but for now, as ever a huge heart felt thank you for your continued support.
