Farming & Environment

32 New Stour & Avon, January 28, 2022 Farming & Environment A Day at the Farm...

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’.

No sooner had I despatched my last column bemoaning the impact of the unseasonably mild weather, a cold snap hit. At last, the grey skies and relentless rain finally cleared, making way for cooler nights and pretty diamond frosted dawns that make everything on the farm sparkle. The change in the weather has caused us all to do a new dance, the ‘Farm Foot Shuffle’, where we stamp our feet whilst shuffling along in an effort to keep our toes from feeling the chill. At least the early morning frozen ground puts paid to the mud for a few hours a day. A couple of very wet months has resulted in the ground becoming a thick,

sticky, mire which clings to everything it comes into contact with, snatching at your wellies at every opportunity. This week, the animal team has been particularly busy, working hard to keep fur and feather warm and dry – hard work at this time of year. The team also had an inspection from APHA (the Animal and Plant Health Agency, an executive agency of Defra) who were very pleased with all they saw. Three new rabbits arrived, all male, a purchase from New Forest Pet Rescue. They will be neutered before being given the chance to speeddate some of our single ladies in an effort to find their soul mates. The CoFarmers get to name two of the bunnies, a process which involves putting names in a hat. There have been some great suggestions so far, although it can be a dangerous game to play. After inviting name suggestions for one of the ponies, we almost ended up with a horse called U-bend! I’ll keep you posted on the outcome. Unusually, this week my time has mainly been spent off-site. I was invited to present to the Ladies’ Section of Ferndown Golf Club at a coffee morning gathering. We considered taking a few

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with Tiffany Fleming

Pictures: TIFFANY FLEMING

of the farm animals but thought better of it, instead resorting to quieter, less messy, cardboard cut-out versions. On my return to the farm, Co-Farmer Emily suggested a shopping spree to stock up the farm shop. Trips out are a rare treat and a great source of excitement, as is the opportunity to drive the farm truck! The morning’s presentation resulted in generous donations and with the shop restocked it was a good day all round. Farm fact: The UK is facing its largest ever outbreak of bird flu with more than 60 cases confirmed across the country since the start of November. People can spread the disease on their clothes and shoes so, sadly, the farm is currently closed to visitors, except those visiting the farm shop.

A good time to consider selling your farm

Symonds & Sampson will be holding their popular Free Farm Valuation Week from February 7 to 11, 2022, offering free, confidential market advice to anybody considering selling farms or land throughout the region. Despite all the turmoil and uncertainty that Coronavirus and leaving the EU has continued to create, in the last 12 months the property market across the UK has performed remarkably well. This has been particularly true for our region as buyers of homes and farms alike seek the wonderful, less densely populated counties that we live in. People have also sought to invest in land of all acreages for a variety of reasons. Even though support payments will be reducing and the shape of subsidies will change in future years, the demand for land and farms from farmers, investors, residential and conservation buyers remains strong. In 2021, Symonds & Sampson sold more than 4,000 acres across five counties by auction, tender, private treaty and including some ‘off market’ sales when privacy has been an important consideration. They have an unprecedented number of registered buyers looking for farms and land across the South West, so those thinking of selling or transferring may wish to consider doing it soon. They cover the whole spectrum, from large estates and farms to small paddocks and development opportunities, so if you are considering selling in 2022, get in touch with Andrew Tuffin on 01258 472244, or your nearest Symonds & Sampson office. symondsand sampson.co.uk/news/ detail/free-farm-valuation-week-2022.