Ridging the fields in preparation for planting this spring
A Glimpse of Spring
After what feels like a long, grey winter, the long-awaited arrival of brighter days is finally here. Across North Northumberland we’re beginning to see glimpses of spring sunshine, and with it comes a shift in focus on the farm. Our thoughts are turning to the fields and reflecting on the impact another wet winter may have had on the land.
While winter rain is nothing unusual for us, the constant grey skies and drizzle can take their toll. It affects everyone in different ways – from our own mental wellbeing to reduced footfall for local businesses, and that familiar feeling of being a little low on vitamin D after months of dull days. Thankfully brighter skies and warmer days are just around the corner!
From a farming perspective, the wet weather hasn’t caused too much concern just yet, mainly because the potatoes aren’t in the ground. 😊
Winter Work Behind the Scenes
Although the fields may look quiet during the winter months, there is always plenty happening behind the scenes.
Black Oat Cover Crop- Helps enhance soil structure, nematode & weed control
Following the 2025 potato harvest, we planted cover crops such as bento radish, defender radish and black oat across the fields. These crops keep the soil alive over the winter months and help to manage soil erosion, fertility and quality- as well as increase biodiversity and wildlife. The microbial activity we are encouraging in the soil has a positive effect on the nitrogen availability and uptake- which is vital for the early stage of potato growth and ensures the plant has strong stems and plenty leaf to capture the sunlight.
These cover crops also provided a welcome winter food source for our neighbouring sheep, who happily grazed the fields earlier this year. Allowing the sheep to graze, benefits both the land and the sheep- happy shepherd and happy farmers! They receive the balanced nutrition they need to stay in top condition ahead of spring lambing/birthing time, but their role goes far beyond just their own health. Out in the fields, they’re actively contributing to the land itself. Through natural nutrient cycling—grazing, trampling, and returning manure and urea to the soil—they help to build soil fertility in a way that works with nature rather than against it.
This process reduces our reliance on artificial inputs and supports a healthier, more resilient system overall. It’s a simple but powerful reminder that, when managed thoughtfully, livestock can play a key role in letting natural biology thrive
Winter also offers something farmers rarely get during the rest of the year – weekends off and extra downtime. It’s a chance to catch up on essential farm maintenance, service machinery, complete CPD, and most importantly, spend some quality time with family before the busy growing season begins again.
Looking Ahead to Spring
The 1st of March has now passed meaning the hedges are now left untrimmed to support wildlife during the bird nesting season. These natural boundaries provide essential shelter, food, and safe nesting spaces for birds and other animals. As an added benefit, fewer hedge cuttings on roads mean cyclists are a lot happier too as they will have less punctures to deal with.
Potatoes in Summer Sunshine
On the 20th March 2026, the Northern Hemisphere marks the vernal equinox – the moment when the sun crosses the celestial equator from south to north, meaning day and night are almost equal in length. For many, it simply signals the official start of spring, but for us on the farm it represents something more: the beginning of a new growing season.
Potash- a mineral mined in UK mines to help enrich the soil
With that in mind, preparations are already well underway. Our current focus is spreading potash mined from the deep mine in the UK- across the land, ensuring the soil receives the minerals it needs ahead of planting. Potash is rich in potassium which is essential for plant nutrition. It plays a huge part in disease resistance when growing potatoes and helps manage the starch content for storage life
A Season of Renewal
There’s always something special about this time of year. The countryside begins to change almost overnight – fields slowly waking up, wildlife returning, and longer days bringing renewed energy.
As spring arrives, we’re looking forward to seeing the landscape come back to life and preparing for the start of the 2026 potato growing season- it’s almost like you can hear the crops growing and every couple of days you can see the fields quickly change from brown soil to leafy green.
With daffodils in full bloom and our first burst of colour for Spring- it won’t be long until we see the yellow fields of Oil Seed Rape canvassing the landscape in a patchwork of yellow and our other crops like oats, barley and wheat- all shades of green.
Blackthorn, Crab Apple, Hawthorn & Dogwood hedges planted on the farm this winter
Farm Fact
During the winter we have planted an 800 metres of new hedges including varieties such as blackthorn, crab apple, hawthorn, dogwood.
