March 2025 - Mar 29, 2025

March seems to be going out like a lamb this year, welcome for those busy protecting ground nesting birds and for the lambing too.

Vigilance seems to be the watchword of the moment, keeping a close eye on the wild bird population for signs of bird flu, looking out for our amber and red listed species as they try and try again to nest successfully. Watching out for signs of tick and other debilitating problems and controlling covids and foxes etc which prey on vulnerable species.

Vigilance too in areas where poachers are a threat and who are becoming increasingly bold in their criminal behaviour.

We would like to encourage vigilance in watching out for each other, for yourselves, for your families, friends and colleagues. That’s what the Checking in with a Mate is all about but it’s so much bigger than that isn’t it. The Big Tea Break is just one example:

Have a cuppa, talk to someone and just take time to look over the gate/wall/hedge for a minute or two.

A fantastic campaign which transforms tragedy to inspiration is Len’s Light run by Len’s parents after he took his own life as a young man. This week is The Big Farm Tea Break 2024. Do take a look.

The clocks go forward this evening which will be welcome for many eager to get out on the land working, feeding, deer management etc and for the
uplands the last few days really to heather/muir burn.

On a domestic front it is Mothering Sunday on 30th March which encourages a special effort to thank Mothers everywhere. Being a Mum is a life long profession – you never stop caring and there is always a job to do and whilst you try not to worry about your children you do and it does not matter how old they are!

So, as I am a Mum too, I am thanking my family for their support, their love and to let them know how proud I am of them all.

Helen