Winter is no time to sit back, says Tim Field, as farmers turn their attention to maintenance tasks, ensuring the local lanes run as smoothly as the watercourses
A GREAT deal of countryside maintenance is in the hands of Britain’s farmers, who caretake more than two-thirds of our magnificent landmass. Mending fences, hanging gates, installing water troughs, fixing pumps, grading tracks and clearing ditches; without a doubt, farming is best suited to those with an aptitude for engineering. And considering the hectic schedule of the growing season, much of this falls to the short days of winter.
Some farmers make better engineers than others and nothing is more telling than the cowpats and destruction across the village green following a stampede of escapee steers. Multiple generations of baler twine knitting together odds and sods of Rylock wire, rotting stakes and gnarled hedgerow branches are no match for frisky young stock when grass growth has slowed up and the winter pasture gets a bit thin. Bodgeit engineering offers varying effectiveness and comes with regional distinctiveness. My aunt, quite rightly, takes great pride in her take on a “Hampshire gate”: bailer-twine hinges, suspended sheep hurdle and wire latch hooped over a fence post.
Denne historien er fra December 2017-utgaven av The Field.
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Denne historien er fra December 2017-utgaven av The Field.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Strength in Numbers -The success of Britain's growing band of Farmer Clusters shows the value in working together and engaging with the public in the name of conservation, says Gabriel Stone
In a world that leans into gloomy headlines, it's important to wave the flag for a refreshing success story. That's especially the case when it comes to our overburdened farming sector and the wider way in which we manage the landscape. Yes, we: everyone can play a role, not least through one inspirational initiative. Ever since a 2013 pilot project by the GWCT in association with Natural England, Farmer Clusters have mushroomed across Britain. Led by farmers with guidance from expert advisers, today's network of about 125 clusters encourages a cohesively managed, locally tailored, larger-scale approach to conservation work.
Going over old ground
Forget modern tractors and minimum tillage - there is something glorious about the sight of farmer, horse and vintage plough in perfect harmony
Return of the natives
There is nothing as satisfying as creating a magical miniature woodland or conservation hedgerow using our native trees - and now is the best time to start.
Tagging the Cornish tunny
Enormous Atlantic bluefin tuna are once again making waves in UK waters almost a century after their showstopping appearance in the North Sea
In it for the long haul
It may have fallen out of favour at the elite level but long-format three-day eventing is still proving popular with grassroots riders
Unpicking the story of hunt buttons
These treasured tokens are bestowed only upon those who go above and beyond in service of their hunt but the rules around them can be complex
A place of tradition in the heart of town
Cordings has helped shape the sartorial landscape of Britain for 185 years, with its classic country tailoring a firm staple of many sporting wardrobes
Don't play it by ear
Hearing loss can have a devastating impact on day-to-day life, making ear protection a non-negotiable piece of field kit
Back to base-ics
Britain's famously unpredictable climate can make staying comfortable in the field a challenge but the right under layers can be a game changer
Stand and deliver
A good stance provides the platform for shotgun marksmanship and is fundamental to consistent success in the field or breaking clays