Farming & Environment

Tiffany Fleming is a volunteer at High Mead Farm in Longham, Ferndown. High Mead Farm is a working farm run to promote the benefits of engaging with animals, soil, and nature. They ‘create purposeful roles for our cofarmers, young people and adults alike, to help bring about a sense of well-being and self-worth that many have never experienced before’.

Well, here we are, midJanuary already! I think it is fair to say 2021 ended on a bit of a High Mead Farm high, the team having safely navigated their way through Elf week, six days of pre-Christmas carnage which raised more than £329 for the Alzheimer’s Society. Hannah, a longstanding volunteer, was a complete star and gave Mary Berry a good run for her money, providing bountiful buffets every day, not only for the co-farmers but for the staff and volunteers too. The animal team received confirmation that Domino, our poorly pony, was recovering well, collections at carol concerts added extra coins to our coffers, the generosity of our supporters never failing to impress, and December ended with a letter from The Screwfix Foundation, an organisation we wrote to earlier in the

year, bringing news of a truly fabulous grant that far exceeded our application request. We can but hope that the next few months are just as kind. The start of the new year signalled the reawakening of the kitchen garden, but the period between Christmas and New Year, when many of us were enjoying a little time off, is hard work for the farm’s staff, with just a few seasoned volunteers available to help. As anyone with animals knows only too well, there is no such thing as a day off – life at the farm doesn’t leave room for public holidays. With just four acres to the farm’s name, resting is a critical phase of the farm’s crop rotation and grazing plan, and winter affords the garden important soil preparation time, ahead of the early seed order. But, with a farm shop to supply, the team can’t rest on their laurels, and so the farm was prepared ready for the Co-Farmers return; and return they did. Some full of tales of Christmas and New Year celebrations, or for those who find the time more challenging, full of excitement about being back with friends doing the jobs they love. For many, enforced time away from the farm is difficult. When I first started volunteering, I assumed the farm was a special place because of its fabric, that magical atmosphere I attributed to the place itself. But whilst visiting the farm during one of its quieter times, devoid of the busy

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A Day at the Farm

with Tiffany Fleming

Pictures: TIFFANY FLEMING

comings and goings, it struck me that it is the people that make it the special place it is and how lovely it is to see them return.

Farm Fact: Whilst the mild weather is easier to work in, the farm is eagerly awaiting a cold snap. Some seeds need cold to germinate, either because they have hard shells that are softened by freezing and thawing or because the change in temperature triggers them to sprout, a process called stratification, and, at the moment, ‘we can’t get no... stratification’. OK I’ll get me coat!

Forest motorists asked to help save animals

Drivers using roads in the New Forest are being asked to save animals’ lives by following the official detours marked out for the new A35 and A31 roadworks. The National Park Authority fears that if motorists stray on to unfenced roads to quicken their journey, more livestock will die. A spokesman said: “The deadliest months for New Forest livestock are in winter, with most accidents between 5pm and 10pm on weekdays and involving commuters. If drivers divert from the official detours on to unfenced Forest roads, a spike in animal accident deaths may well result.” In 2019, 58 animals were killed and a further 32 were injured whereas in 2020, when traffic was reduced by Covid-19 restrictions, 50 animals were killed and a further 21 were injured. Forest organisations are appealing to road users to expect the unexpected and remember that animals have right of way on unfenced New Forest routes. NFNPA executive director Steve Avery said: “If you do travel on the unfenced roads, please take care and always be prepared to stop for New Forest animals. They don’t have any road sense so may step out in front of you, even if you think they’ve seen you.” A list of tips for driving at night has been issued. Be ready to stop – animals can step out even when they’ve seen you approaching Drive slowly, especially in the dark – there is a pool of darkness behind the headlights of approaching cars and an animal may be standing in it or crossing Give animals grazing by the side of the road a wide berth – move to the other side of the road and be prepared to stop if there is oncoming traffic Grazing animals on both sides of the road? Take extra care – they may cross to join their friends One animal by the roadside means there are others close by – be aware Bends and tops of hills need more care – animals may bein the road just out of sight. Reflective collars worn by some ponies may help you see them in the dark – but not all ponies have them. Deer can easily jump the fences alongside roads such as the A337, A31 and A35 –and when there is one deer more will usually follow. Be animal aware at all times.