The first frosts and snow arrived just after Christmas as this picture of the cattle drive shows.

The hedges are now bare of leaves and berries so we will now get Richardsons to come and cut them. Due to the stewardship agreement we only cut twice in five years but last winters wet meant we are a year late and they are now rather bushy.

The frost can be hard on our small bird population so Simon always breaks the ice on the water troughs so water is available for them.

As I have said in my report I have been muckspreading and it is interesting to see the number if birds picking over the field.

Usually they are picking up grubs that were buried below the frozen crust of the slurry store and were exposed by my spreading but some pick any bits of undigested grain from the muck.

Our Pied-wagtail seems to be content picking over the store where I have been loading from together with the sparrows robins and wrens.

As you see a muck store can be a lifesaver to a wild bird. However if you live in the town you can also help by providing water and food for your wild birds.

If you would like more information on caring for birds try this link www.birdcare.com/birdon

See you next month PHIL.

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