watching records, made by a wonderful local couple, who record their bird sightings with the British Trust for Ornithology.


As usual I am writing in December, a month when I always have great plans to get a lot done.


Inevitably though, it is a month of rest and enjoying some down time. Of course there is work to do, but after a busy summer and autumn, it is nice to slow down a bit, especially as this time of year.


My young son is really getting into Christmas; he is old enough to understand now. He has written his letter to Father Christmas and is excited to receive presents, but also understanding about giving gifts too.


I know it might sound a bit magnanimous, so please forgive me, but with so much pressure on all sectors of society, watch out for your family, friends and neighbours. The low always comes after the high. Giving time is always the most important thing and perhaps considering a slower pace of life, with an appreciation of the simple things in life is a good plan for the New Year.


The hedges we lay need double fencing, unless they are against a ditch. So, usually laying a hedge results in double the amount of fencing to do! I admit the much of it is grant funded under the Countryside Stewardship scheme, but the work still has to be done. Not only does it secure the field boundary, but of course it adds value to nature: public money for public goods. We have seen more yellow hammers and other small birds since we started laying hedges over the past decade or so.


The diversity of habitat is definitely making a difference. An observation we hope will continue to be shown by our bird


Wishing you a happy and healthy 2024. Rich x rich@risburycourt.com


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BUS INE S S ON THE FARM


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