This area covers almost 2 acres and follows on from the orchard. Since we came in 1993 we have really done very little to this area apart from weed by hand particularly invasive and unwanted weeds.  Nature can often provide its own beauty and so we left the field for a number of years to see what would appear, cutting for hay at the end of July or beginning of August to allow seed to drop.

It was not long before the Lady’s smock appeared in large numbers and is a picture in Spring, followed by ox-eye daisies, knapweed and thistles (which we keep strictly under control).  Interestingly, as the moles have moved in and turn over the soil purple opium poppies have appeared and huge numbers of celandine.  The celandine is very invasive and must also be kept under control.   We allow the grass to grow all summer and mow paths around the edge and diagonally across the middle to provide a nice walk.

The paths lead to a grass tump/seat in one corner which is the best place to watch the sun go down as it faces directly West.  Red field Poppies have appeared recently, but these are from a couple of dry borders situated nearer the house, courtesy of the birds – but they look lovely in the field.  It will be interesting to see if they adapt well to what is a predominantly damp spring field.