Published Date:
02 July 2009
FARM OUTING: After a morning of heavy rain and an afternoon of showers and threatening clouds, members of Netherton WI arrived for the June meeting in waterproofs and wellies.
As we drove west the clouds cleared and we arrived at Barrowburn in sunshine.
Shaun Hackett gave us a fascinating guided tour and talk of the haymeadows at the farm.
The flowers were in full bloom and brought back happy childhood memories. Sadly pignut, eyebright, yellow rattle, zig zag clover, ladies bedstraw and sweet vernal grass are now rarities.
This flourishing field is now so unusual that it is an SSSI and one of the most special haymeadows in Europe.
It supports a thriving population of insects including several different bumble bees and the chimney sweeper moth, which we were lucky enough to see.
After a delicious supper at the farmhouse tea room, we held our business meeting and competition for a photograph or wildflowers, which was won by Cecily Robson.
President Roberta Henderson thanked Shaun for the talk and Ian and Eunice for the supper.
-
Last Updated:
02 July 2009 9:36 AM
-
Source:
Northumberland Gazette
-
Location:
Alnwick, Northumberland
