Life in the countryside

January

Livestock

Early lambing may be starting under cover in some places with selected breeds. This is an important time for sheep. If dogs chase them, they may lose their developing foetuses. Keep your dog under close control or on a short lead. 

Most cattle, including calves for overwintering, will be indoors and being fed by now. Watch out for farm vehicles taking livestock feed. Cattle can remain out of doors as long as the land is dry but they will be fed on a daily basis. Hay or silage will be taken out by tractor or the cattle may be fed in troughs.

Crops

Farm activities include drainage work, hedging, planting and ploughing. Proceed carefully and keep a safe distance if you come across any works in progress. Remember that the farmer may not be able to see or hear you when operating large machinery. Many arable fields are bare having been previously ploughed and/or seeded. Other arable fields will be greener with autumn sown crops.

Tree felling and taking out timber often takes place in winter months. Read any signs warning you of forest operations and follow any precautions advised by the land manager.

Conservation

A few fields will contain stubble, which feeds and shelters over wintering birds. Some will be kept as set-aside and others will be prepared for sowing in the spring. Wildfowl shooting takes place close to water during the autumn and winter usually around dawn and dusk. The inland season closes on 31 January.

Pheasant and partridge shooting takes place during the autumn and winter in woods and forests, and on neighbouring land. Take extra care and follow signs and notices where shooting is taking place.