Autumn in the Cornish Field KS1

Once the grain harvest is over, it is time to plan for next year’s crop. The field may be ploughed in the autumn or be left over the winter until spring. The stubble provides a good winter feeding ground for birds.

Ploughing means turning over the soil to bury the remains of the previous crop and any weeds. The plough leaves straight furrows of bare earth behind it.

The furrows are broken down with disc harrows to make a level, lump-free bed for the tiny new seeds to be planted in.

Activity

Glossary

Stubble – stalks of a crop left after harvesting
A plough – a piece of equipment that cuts into and turns over soil
Furrows – the ridges left by a plough
Disc harrows – equipment used to break up lumps of soil

The sheepdog has an important job to do on the farm. She helps the farmer look after the sheep.

She listens for calls or whistles from the farmer. At his signal she circles the sheep to gather them together and brings them into the yard.

Border collies are the breed most commonly used to herd sheep. They are intelligent, quick and willing.

Activity

A Cornish hedge is a special type of field barrier. It is not a hedge of growing plants. It is a stone wall filled with earth. Gorse, thorn bushes and brambles grow all over it.

A Cornish hedge provides farm animals and crops with shelter from strong winds.

It also provides a home and food like blackberries for small mammals and birds. Blackberries ripen in the early autumn.

Activity