February 2002

The weather continued mild with the milkers out on Rye (the earliest turnout ever!!)

All the signs of spring several weeks earlier than normal:
Catkins everywhere, Frogs spawning from the 20th and in much greater numbers than ever. A Curlew heard ( and seen), Goosanders paired up on the river, Hares boxing, carpets of Snowdrops, a wonderful time of year.
We have been busy on the farm, Rolling and Harrowing the grass fields, fencing and generally getting ready for the next season. We have put another dose of muck on some of the fields and continue to compost as much solid muck as possible ready to spread later in the year.

I watched a pair of Bullfinches the other day, unfortunately they are not now all that common, they were busy taking the buds of one of the shrubs in the garden. They really are stunning, every bit as attractive as any bird in the world.

We went on our annual pilgrimage to the Waterloo Cup (that is Hare coursing) for a change the weather was actually quite pleasant (its usually absolutely bitter). It never ceases to amaze me just how many Hares there are on such a small area, some very skillful management by the local keepers, a pleasure to see. I just hope that it is not the last meeting, it really is spectacular sport and part of our rich country life.