Baling the hay on Thrupp Farm's Ferney Close

Seen from my office window this is an improved view. The field called Ferney Close, which is part of the former Thrupp Farm, has been cut and now baled. The farm was bought by the Heavens Valley Community Group, in which I hold a share, in order to save it from being purchased by developers. 

The farm was managed 'properly' until about four years ago but subsequently started to go to scrub, which is very bad news for farmland. For many years the farm itself has seemed like a local park for the community living on our side of town, so the news of its purchase on their behalf is very well received. 

This field's far hedgerow is the boundary of the farm which spreads up the valley to the left of this view. You can see how overgrown the hedge is it having spread out into the field itself, as has happened to all the hedges. The field on the slope below Ferney Close which runs down to the Lime Brook, still shows the 'ridge and furrow' marks of medieval farm practices, particularly in frosty or snowy winters where the frozen elements collect in the furrows.

We shall see how it goes, as there is a lot of work involved, but hopes are high for a fine new future for it, and the people who love it. They call it after its local name, The Heavens.