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Diploma in Applied Permaculture Design
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The Grazing Diaries - Week 4

27/6/2013

2 Comments

 
Picture
So in the 4 weeks since my new grazing plan began, I've really noticed now much calmer the flock seems in general. In the past at this time of year the sheep would be left on the same land for about 3 months now, only being disturbed for clipping time, so very much out the habit of having human contact. However now they are being moved to new pasture each week, (and observed in the field daily) they have become much tamer and have quickley got used to the moving routine, realising that there is a treat (fresh pasture) after being moved. The sheep look physically well, their fleece is 'lifting' ready for clipping, they have no evidence or internal parasites or lameness.
Picture
last day grazing the small fields around the house
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'the Meadow' - week 5's grazing. This grass hasn't been rested so long (6 weeks), probably for about 35 years. Its amazing to see such an abundance of different meadow flowers, herbs and grasses being allowed to grow through for the first time in a long, long time....
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'the meadow'
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'the meadow' - in the last week, the vegetation has really thickened in the bottom of the growth.
2 Comments
Dave Jackson link
27/6/2013 12:26:09 am

The meadow looks amazing! It will be interesting to see how the sheep and cows select different plants to graze on depending on their needs at different times.

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Naomi link
5/8/2013 06:19:34 am

It is looking great Katie. Amazing what botanical biodiversity lurks in the pasture/grazing we take for granted. Loving all the wildflowers!

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    Katie

    A journal to document my designing about all things relating to grazing

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