What to look for in February

In February overgrown hedges are trimmed to keep them in shape and stock proof. Cutting in late winter leaves the berries on a hedge as long as possible as a food for birds, though it should be done before birds begin nesting in mid-March. To read more, click here. Young cattle that spend the winter out in the fields are fed silage or hay to supplement the grass; you may see groups of cattle gathered around a metal feeder. Dairy farmers often grow a special crop like fodder beet or kale as extra winter feed and the cattle are turned in to graze the standing crop. When the crop has been eaten off, the field is ploughed and planted with a different crop. To read more, click here. Oats are to fed cattle, sheep and horses and of course are a nourishing food for us as well. In muesli or porridge, oats are a great way to start a winter’s day, or you can make a delicious pudding like apple crumble click here to see more.