Despite little encouragement from the summer so far the wild flowers in the species rich meadow we planted three years ago are really coming into their own at the moment. After two years cutting for hay and no fertiliser, the productivity of the grasses has slowed and there is a corresponding increase in the growth of a variety of flowers. The wild blue geranium (wood cranesbill) in particular is thriving this year and makes a beautiful blue splash of colour. The seed mix that was sown was a replica of an upland hay meadow and can be seen in the 'wild' in this area along a number of river banks, notably at Potarch on Deeside, where the banks are a designated site because of the floral diversity. It will be interesting to see how the meadow develops over time - there are already other species seeding in - and whether plants from the meadow will spread out. Please take a look if you visit the farm this month - it is in the field next to the shop.
We shall be at Inverurie Farmers market on the 12th (9am-1pm) and will be at Banchory Farmers market as normal on the 19th July. Our open days this month are on the 24th, 25th & 26th July when we are open from 10:00am - 4:30pm and will have our usual range of fresh beef, pork, lamb and poultry as well as the pies and charcuterie.
We are holding a farm walk on the Saturday of our open days (26th) for anyone who would like to come for a wander round the farm to learn more about what we do and why as well as enjoy the country and see some of the animals. The walk will start at 10:30 at the farm buildings/shop and last for around and hour and a half. It is being led by Aberdeenshire Council range service who will be talking about biodiversity and responsible countryside access and we will also look at some of the stock and conservation measures on the farm. Please come provided with clothing suitable to a Scottish summer and good footwear. Please do get in touch if you would like any further details.
