DHF News: March 2024
It feels like we've been saying this for months, but this winter has been one for the record books – and not in a good way! All this rain has kept us well and truly out of the fields, but fear not, farm life never stands still. Here is a catch up on some of the exciting things that have been happening on the farm these past few months.
First off, we finally got the last of the sugar beet lifted at the very end of February, officially closing the book on the 2023 harvest. While the weather threw us some curveballs, we're happy to have all the crops brought in safe and sound. Over the last couple of months, with the fields a little too soggy for our liking, we've turned most of our focus inwards, tackling some interesting projects around the farmyard.
We are delighted to have completed our classroom, also referred to as the “Calf Shed”! This dedicated space will be a useful resource for schools and groups that arrange to visit the farm. It offers a warm, dry base for us to deliver farm tours, answer any burning questions about farm life, and maybe even enjoy a slice of homemade cake (we can't resist a treat!). If anyone would like a meeting space with fibre broadband, underfloor heating, a small kitchenette and plenty of parking please contact us on 01728 638712 or accounts@denningtonhall.com
Speaking of getting out and about, Ryan recently took one of our trusty tractors on a road trip! As part of the "Tractors in Schools" scheme, he visited Earl Soham and Bedfield Schools, spreading the farm love and sharing a glimpse into the farming world with the next
But that's not all! We've also been busy kicking off a project in collaboration with the amazing ecologist Benedict McDonald and his team at Restore. This exciting initiative, focuses on protecting and nurturing our precious turtle dove population. These beautiful birds are sadly facing extinction in the UK within the next few years. Here at the farm, thanks to Teresa's dedication over the past decade, we're lucky to have one of the few remaining areas with healthy numbers of breeding pairs. The project aims to create even better habitat for these feathered friends, ensuring they have the best chance of thriving.
Back at the barn, where the cows have been sheltering through this wet winter, we are celebrating the end of the calving season. We're thrilled to report a record number of 20 healthy calves! Our new bull has proven himself a real champion dad, and thanks to our wonderful mothering cows, the herd is expanding nicely. This year, all the calves have names starting with "O" (think Oreo, Olivia, and Opal), but next year, get ready for a whole new bunch of "P"s! If you have any suggestions on "P" names for these future farm stars, head over to our Facebook or Instagram pages, and let your creative juices flow!
Another exciting development on the farm is our new experiment with "virtual fencing" for our goats; no more traditional electric fencing! We're trying out special collars that create an invisible barrier, giving our mischievous friends freedom to roam while still keeping them safely contained but allowing the wildlife to pass through without being restricted by electric fences. So, if you happen to see our three goats enjoying their space without a fence in sight, don't worry, you’re not imagining things (hopefully!).
So, even though the weather might have had other plans for us, it's certainly been a busy and fulfilling few months here on the farm. We are delighted to see the longer days and clear signs of spring allowing us back in the fields. We'll be sure to keep you updated in the next newsletter.
