What To Do This Month In Your Paddocks
Land should be managed for all-round benefit
• Avoid cultivating land if ground-nesting birds are present
• Harrow (during dry ground conditions) to even unlevel areas, remove dead grass and aerate the soil to encourage healthy grass growth.
• Roll to level pasture, push stones below the surface and ensurecontact between grass roots and soil nutrients. Tillering (new grass shoots) will result and as the sward density increases, weeds will have less opportunity to spread. Ground conditions must be sufficiently dry otherwise soil will become compacted causing inhibited drainage, increased surface run-off and reduced grass growth.
• Be aware of grass growth rates and the associated laminitis risk-period starting.
• Do you seize funding opportunities? Land owners/managers can apply for the new Environmental Stewardship Schemes. Entry Level Scheme is available to every landowner/manager who meets the criteria. Farmers wishing to diversify may also qualify for a grant through the Rural Enterprise Scheme.
For more information, visit www.defra.gov.uk or contact the South East Region telephone: 08456 024092.
Surrey Horse Pasture Project • www.surreycc.gov.uk/horsepastureproject • Tel: 01372 741783
Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty • www.kentdowns.org.uk • Tel: 01303 815170
Photo: Kent Downs AONB
Text: Kent Downs AONB & Surrey Horse Pasture Project
