When the snow first came on Friday last week, it seemed as though the country had gone into melt down, the schools were closed and the roads were empty. However, the livestock continued to graze regardless. Pushing their noses through the sparkly white fluff to find the grass below. So, we thought it was a great opportunity to go for a walk about and take some lovely photos.
We started with Terry taking some hay out to the cattle and sheep. Out on our only farm vehicle - the quad bike, Terry took piles of hay, which had been cut from our hay meadows during the summer months.
Being careful not to put the hay in the same place as the day before, Terry spreads it across the field. This way he can be sure the cattle don't all congregate in the same place and turn the ground to mud - which would ruin the ground for any winter grazing.
For those that don't know, Terry is Ben's stockman. He started working at Fordhall about 40 years ago when the farm was making yoghurts, but dad had to make him redundant in the 1990's when the farm was struggling. Almost 15 years later and Terry is back at Fordhall. We then walked over to our Heritage Site, the old Ringwork and Bailey, stopping to take photo's on the way. As we passed our new wildlife hide, built by young people doing reperation work, we spotted a robin and with some patience, we were able to get a lovely shot.
With the public scared indoors because of the snow, we decided to make the most of it all, and invited the whole of Market Drayton to come sledging on the farm last weekend. Facebook and Twitter went crazy and families turned up with sledges in tow.
Charlotte
And if you like these there are more pics on our facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.585873368095668.151174.195752607107748&type=3
Follow us on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/fordhallorganicfarm#!/pages/Fordhall-Organic-Farm/195752607107748?fref=ts
1 comment:
Hi Charlotte, Ben, Becca, Beth and the Fordhall team,
Having just seen your website blog photo's of fun in the snow I have to say very well done you. How wonderful and heart warming to see all those people thoroughly enjoying themselves in an element that, in the UK at least, mostly draws moans and groans (unless you're a child). So typical of your open minded, common sense, fun approach to life in a world beset by too many ' health and safety types' .
Just one of the reasons I love Fordhall - keep up the good work you are eternally inspiring.
See you soon
Paul Fox.
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