DHF News: June 2023
Over the last couple of months on the farm have been busy looking after the winter crops and establishing sugar beet, spring oats, vining peas and 50 acres of wild bird mixes. The spring barley was drilled in late February and, unfortunately with the wet and cold March and April, the seeds did not have an enjoyable time, resulting in a patchy emergence. Fast forward 2 months and now we are dealing with the drought affecting the sugar beet and peas. The photo shows robust spring oats, which were direct drilled into an overwinter covercrop. Harvest is just around the corner with winter barley and Oilseed rape to be harvested first in July, followed by the winter wheat in August.
Spring also welcomed the return of Turtle Doves to the farm, with the first gentle purr heard on 29th April. Lots of wildlife give birth and protect their young in the conservation areas around the farm. With this in mind, a gentle reminder that when out walking to remain on the designated footpaths and keep dogs on a lead. Everybody will be able to enjoy the wildlife from the footpaths if we do not disturb the habitat.
You may have noticed we have recently revamped our website and have a new logo. We have gone through a rebranding process and are pleased to present the Dennington Hall Farms logo. The deer signifies the history of Dennington Hall which was a deer park in the Doomsday book. The bay tree represents the Rous family as bay leaves feature on the family crest. The land and hills show that we are custodians of the land - the seeded field for innovation and technology. The river at the bottom of the logo is for the river Alde whose source is at Brundish and winds its way through the farm. The badge shape is the letter D on its side to represent Dennington, alongside the colours of Suffolk pink and Suffolk field green.
On Sunday 11th June Dennington Hall Farms hosted LEAF Open Farm Sunday. This is an annual national event when many farms across the UK open up to the public and showcase all things farming and rural. With help from neighbours, friends and other farming business, the day was a great success with 700 members of public visiting. Aside from the fact that it was the hottest day of the year so far, it was amazing to see so many families walking around, smiling, asking questions and enjoying the day. Thank you to everybody who kindly purchased a raffle ticket or donated towards the two wonderful charities, EACH (East Anglia Children’s Hospice) and YANA (YOU ARE NOT ALONE, Rural mental health support). We managed to raise £610. We would also like to say thank you to everybody that visited for being very respectful to other visitors, members of staff, the wildlife and the farm. No rubbish was left behind and everybody had an enjoyable experience.
