‘Good hay, sweet hay, hath no fellow.’
William Shakespeare, Midsummer Night’s Dream,
This past week, farmers up and down South West England have been busy cutting grass and wildflower meadows to make hay. July is traditionally the month for making hay as grasses are usually at their most nutritional and have not yet dropped their seeds. July is also the most reliable month in terms of weather as farmers need a 4-5 forecast of warm, dry weather for turning and drying the cut grass before it can be made into bales. This ensures the hay will store well and remain nutritious for feeding livestock through the winter.
Haymaking is an ancient tradition. It’s a key marker in the agricultural year and we always love to see it being done and the hay bales dotted across the landscape.
July is a great time of year to hike the English countryside. The days are long and warm and you can see these ancient traditions being carried out as you walk through the landscape.
If you’d like to wander the fields and footpaths of South West England, simply visit our trips page or drop us a line. We’d love to chat through your plans.
