Custodians of the UK’s countryside
As the countryside turns green before our eyes, we long to get out onto the fields. Other than the occasional mad dash to treat crops when a brief window allows tractors to travel over ground rather than getting bogged down, many jobs remain undone as our heavy weald clay remains the consistency of porridge as the rain and cold weather persists, making it impossible to move without leaving deep ruts.
The harsh winter left fallen trees and branches which need clearing away, fences to check ensuring they are cattle proof, and some fields still require harrowing and rolling. The corn fields are almost caught up with applications of nutrients due to John’s dedication, and concerted efforts to take advantage of the slightest opportunity, even at Easter and on Bank Holidays. If not treated the crops romp away too quickly and the competition with black grass and wild oats challenging, so we do our best to knock out the rivals before they take hold.
However, despite all the challenges of farming, so often weather related, each day we look around and wonder at the beauty of the countryside and the privilege it affords us to be custodians of this stunning landscape, at the same time as feeding the nation.
It is disappointing that the part farmers play in protecting and enhancing the countryside, alongside food production, is rarely appreciated or acknowledged at Westminster, DEFRA in particular.
Disappointingly there is little appreciation of the work and commitment farmers undertake or their deep-rooted knowledge often passed down generations, and their love and careful management of the land and livestock. Farmers understand how to manage their soil and wildlife, and how to cope with specific local unique peculiarities; we don’t need some desk-bound lackey in Whitehall to tell us what to do. We care passionately for our livestock, soil, and the environment, including the flora and fauna mother nature provides. Certainly, better than the guys who clearly lack local knowledge, who visit farms to check we are managing them ‘properly’.
As we look ahead to the Coronation of
King Charles III, and celebrate this historic occasion with street parties, community gatherings and other events, there is a sense of nostalgia in the air. This event draws the final curtain on what has been an exceptional era. Only last year we celebrated The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, and now move into a new period which feels very different, perhaps less secure. Few of us have known anything other than ‘the Queen’ who stood head and shoulders above any head of state across the world. She was uniquely admired, loved, and appreciated for her wise council, leadership, kindness, humility and tolerance, never wavering from her commitment having dedicated her life to that role, embracing everyone from all walks of life, nations, colour, religion and reputations. There can only be one head of state, therefore we welcome The King and his Queen Consort - God save the King.
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