The arrival of warmer weather
The arrival of summer is hugely welcome with the sunshine and heat finally bringing new life to the Estate.
In May the farming team completed lambing the Aberford Ewes and throughout late May / June shearing took place with great success. New additions in the form of long horn cattle were also welcomed to play an important part in a conservation grazing programme on the Marsh and around the Wolferton locality.
The Estate has also seen the emergence of its stewardship margins providing an invaluable source of food and habitat for pollinators, insects and wild game birds. To assist with pollination we have welcomed over 70,000 bees which will produce Sandringham honey whilst providing wider synergy to the Estate.
To aide our understanding as to how wild game numbers are coping, recent bird breeding surveys have been underway along with insect counts. This data will assist with our future strategies for both the farm and wardens team to compliment success.
Whilst the wet weather has presented difficulties for the farm and wardens team, it has assisted the forestry team with ongoing watering of newly planted trees which are looking very healthy. To safeguard against temperatures rising, water bags are being installed to provide trickle irrigation throughout the warmer months. Likewise with trees out in full leaf, it has provided the optimum time to assess tree health for any pest and diseases. By continuing to monitor trees and actioning sympathetic tree surgery, it keeps trees in good health and safe.
Another project underway is conserving water and forming new habitats for wading birds. As the temperature is projected to become more variable by forming such water penning features it will provide a valuable source of water and habitat for wildlife during the warmer months.
As the Estate works through its events calendar, the Royal Parkland continues to be a hustle and bustle of activity.