Nick Baker has described 'Rewild' as his 'first proper grown up book', having previously mostly written nature guides for children. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and would recommend it, but I must admit that I had expected more 'rewilding' (as I know it and think about it) within its pages. For this isn't really aContinue reading "Book review: ‘Rewild: the art of returning to nature’ by Nick Baker"
BTO Wetland Bird Survey January
At the end of last year I began volunteering alongside a local birder for the monthly BTO wetland bird survey. Our patch, which runs around our farm at the Naze, covers a roughly 7 mile walk around the peninsula, trekking firstly up the beach alongside the salt marsh towards Stone Point and then back toContinue reading "BTO Wetland Bird Survey January"
Countryside Stewardship field update
I promised that I would give you updates regarding progress of our higher tier countryside stewardship scheme which started a few weeks ago. It runs until December 2022 and we are receiving payment for undertaking works for conservation on the farm through Pillar 2 of the Common Agricultural Policy. The scheme consists of a rangeContinue reading "Countryside Stewardship field update"
Winter pruning of Sea Buckthorn
You might think that the summer is the busiest time of year on a farm, and you'd probably be right. However, at all times of year there is something to be done. On our Essex farm at the moment a small team is intent in our task of winter pruning sea buckthorn plants, ensuring weContinue reading "Winter pruning of Sea Buckthorn"
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Yesterday was Blue Monday, reputedly the most depressing day of the year. As you know mental health, particularly in a farming and countryside context, has been a topic that I keep returning to on thinkingcountry. It has gained a far bigger profile recently and more people seem to be talking about it than ever before,Continue reading "Seasonal Affective Disorder"
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