Farm life ramps up as spring arrives

Spring has sprung on the farm, with a flurry of activity as the new season takes hold.

Lambs and bees join the rush

The arrival of the cuckoo and swallow signal the end of the migratory period, while the wren's insistent singing fills the air. Meanwhile, the first batch of vegetable seeds have been hurried into the ground.

On the livestock front, the farm is still seeing the occasional lamb birth, including a strong ram lamb from last year's bottle-fed favourite. However, one of the ewes is still struggling, managing on three legs but producing a solid and heavy young ram.

A dramatic moment saw the ewe jump from a high wall and fall, prompting fears for her front legs. Thankfully, after being carried away and examined, she was found to be none the worse for wear.

Despite the cold hampering bee activity, the bees are still hard at work, taking down syrup to sustain them until the weather warms up further. Bumblebees and a few shabby butterflies are also making appearances, drawn to the dandelions.