What To Do This Month In Your Paddocks

hedges laying is a traditional way of making a hedge stock-proof
• Minimise winter damage by continuing to rotate and rest grazing areas whilst closely monitoring grazing times and stocking rates.
• Hedge laying is an excellent way of thickening or rejuvenating a hedge and should be carried out between now and February. After laying, the hedge can be trimmed as normal.
• Now is a good time to repair or replace fencing, as the ground is softer.
• Do your buildings blend in with the surrounding countryside? Careful consideration must be given to the location of development. New buildings must be as inconspicuous as possible to minimise the landscape impact. Lighting and development should not be prominent or in an elevated position on the open skyline. Take advantage of natural folds in the landscape, native hedgerows, shelterbelts or copses to render buildings/facilities inconspicuous. Dark coloured materials harmonise best with surrounding areas. Investigate the availability and suitability of locally distinctive materials.
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