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A Week on the Estate: Autumn Arrives, Organic September & Mixologists Wanted

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Meteorological autumn is here and the equinox is only three weeks away. Low pressure takes charge of next week’s weather, with highs of 24C, lows of 11C and a potentially useful smattering of rainfall. The nights are discernibly closing in and the mornings have a mellow, autumnal feel, particularly compared to the harsh heatwaves of July and August. We shouldn’t be deceived by the crisp, bronzed leaf litter here and there, however; this is a legacy of trees defending themselves against summer’s extremes of heat and aridity.

It’s been a challenging summer out on the land but the last load from Harvest 2022 has been safely delivered. We’re grateful to the harvest team for their hard work and valuable skills. Throughout 2022, we’ve been in-conversion to organic status and we’ve learned a lot. We’re looking forward to being officially organic for our arable produce and livestock from 2023 onwards.

This month is Organic September and we’re proud to put the principles of sustainable agriculture into practice. We believe agriculture shouldn’t be a zero-sum proposition, and that both arable and livestock farming must respect nature and enhance the health of the rural landscape, from the air we breathe to the water that irrigates our crops and the soil biome beneath our wellies.

harvest home & flowers for Paula

Closer to home, the Walled Garden’s lavender is very popular. Not only do our pollinators love it, but Jacqui Rhodes crops a little to give South Ormsby Hall a fragrant touch of late summer.

At the Old School, we thanked Paula Trigg for meeting and greeting so many visitors to the Estate and serving them tasty snacks and drinks. Her last day of work coincided with the final NHS tour and Pete presented her with flowers.

Speaking of NHS tours, the last one went terribly well. Our guests were serenaded by bulls and turkey stags, enlightened by tour guide Pete, refreshed by Master Distiller Tristan and treated to beef rolls by Mark and Paula.

As if that weren’t enough, we had a (possibly coincidental) flypast from one of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Hurricanes and our guests got a preview of Mark’s brand-new Lincoln Red soap.

Who could ask for more? Pete’s so tired he’s hung up his hat and stick (for now).

hurricane, walking stick & lavender

Finally, we have a tempting recommendation for the discerning gin-lovers among you. If you’d like to take your appreciation of fine, artisan gin to the next level AND support two wonderful local businesses at the same time, read on.

Our friends at Stockwith Mill are hosting a Gin Cocktail Masterclass from 7pm on Thursday 8th September. Our very own Massingberd-Mundy Master Distiller Tristan Jørgensen will greet you with an artfully crafted gin & tonic then show you how to hone your own mixology skills.

Besides mixing, shaking and sipping, there’ll be a toothsome charcuterie board to complement the drinks and a prize for the best cocktail. Click HERE to book and we’ll see you there.

 

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Explore South Ormsby


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