A Week on the Estate: Flaming June, Rationed Rain & Versatile Workers

Our springs and watercourses are holding their own so far, thanks to a wet winter and the steps we’ve taken to make our farming model resilient, sustainable and biodiverse. Mob-grazing, wild field margins and avoiding agrichemicals are some of the measures that create a healthy soil biome better able to withstand extremes of wet and dry weather. To read more about this and the many other steps we’re taking to mitigate the climate crisis and prepare for future challenges, click HERE.

We currently look set for a mild start to midsummer. We may see a 26C high this Saturday, but the rest of the week will be unsettled with light winds, scattered showers and a temperature range of 22C to 12C.

Weather whinges aside, the hard work continues apace. Out on the land, the long-awaited rain meant that the team could crack on with drilling the winter forage crop. This will help ensure that our Lincoln Red herd remains wholly supported by our land all-year-round. Closer to home, the Saturday Club planted 250 bedding plants in front of the Hall, taking care to arrange the blooms in height order and mix the colours in a manner sure to please the eye.

Our young workers also took on some muscle work, turning the compost and disturbing a big ants’ nest in the process. As if that wasn’t enough, they harvested lots of produce – including Chantenay carrots, lettuce, onions and peas (so fresh and delicious that none made it home!) – and cleared what felt like an acreage of weeds drawn out by the rain.

The Hall and the Walled Garden hosted the hard-working volunteers without whom the Estate Open Weekend wouldn’t have been such a success. We hope they all enjoyed their thankyou treat – a brew, a chat, an exclusive tour of South Ormsby Hall with Jon and a delicious barbecue in the Walled Garden courtesy of Mark.

Finally, Jo said hello to Sharon and her mum Barbara, two lovely ladies who regularly visit the Walkers’ Cabin at Sheepdip Paddock. Besides taking pictures and looking after our valued guests, Jo replenishes the Sheepdip Paddock brew station and keeps everything spick and span. She also supervises catering for Estate tours and ad hoc events. Oh, and she helps us plant new hedgerows. She’s very versatile.

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