Reflections on 2024

Sansaw Estate Update December 2024

Despite a wet start to the Autumn we enjoyed a few dry weeks in November which has made farming and property maintenance considerably easier than twelve months ago. The autumn colours have held well and with little wind it has made the clearing of leaves somewhat easier than normal. We look forward to Christmas and a short pause in activities (weather dependent!)

In July we started a major refurbishment of Hardwicke Farmhouse, this has involved roof and drainage repairs, a new electrical supply, a complete internal strip out, installation of underfloor heating, a significant amount of insulation, as well as new windows, kitchens and bathrooms. We are investing in air source heat pumps and will be interested to see how they perform in a Victorian Farmhouse, albeit a well-insulated one! This has been a huge but satisfying undertaking for the Estate, with three new houses available for letting in the spring.

Despite a few wet days in September and October, this autumn has been the opposite of last year and has allowed us to keep the cows out for longer, with no damage to the fields and excellent cow health. However, this year we have not grown as much grass as normal so we have eaten into our silage reserves, fingers crossed for an easy spring in 2025! All the cows will have a two month holiday when they are not milked in the run up to calving which commences in early February.  We select our stronger cows to be “out-wintered” and we have started their transition onto winter crops near Harmer Hill. We grow fodder beet and place bales in a row to feed cattle in the winter, where the cows get access to their feed allocation in the field on a daily basis.

A change of government and an aggressive budget for farms and businesses will present challenges but also opportunities but is unlikely to stimulate economic growth with the extra burden on employers. However, a stable government who take a long term view will be good for the United Kingdom.

Our vision is and always has been to leave the Estate in better condition than when we took it on, we are merely custodians and we continue to work tirelessly to improve our built and natural environment through strong stewardship and a genuine love for the countryside.

As always please do not hesitate to visit the website www.sansaw.co.uk or email us at info@sansaw.co.uk or call us on 01939211100.

Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas.

James and Åsa Thompson

.