What’s that blue crop growing in your field?
May 28, 2010
A few neighbours have stopped us and asked ‘What’s that blue crop growing in your fields?’ Well, it is linseed which is also sometimes known as flax. This year it is being used as a break crop instead of the usual oil seed rape or winter beans.
Linseed can be planted in the Autumn (Winter Linseed) or the Spring. Historically, winter linseed has been quite a difficult and temperamental crop to grow because it is sensitive to the climate and could suffer badly in harsh winters but, if the winters are mild then often the crop becomes too thick.
The crop below was planted last Autumn and will be harvested on the farm this year, probably at the end of July or early August.
linseed - view from Newland bank
It was sown using the direct drill. It is a beneficial crop to grow on the farm as it allows the farmer to control some weeds more easily than in wheat, and should allow an easy low till entry into wheat. Slugs do not appear to like linseed and no chemical pesticide control is normally required.
linseed flower
The yield for winter linseed should be in the range 2.5 – 3.5 t/ha (1.0 – 1.4 t/ac) however, as this is the first year we have grown the crop, we will have to wait and see if our expectations have been met.
Traditionally linseed has been grown because of the oil it produces; this is added to paints and varnishes and assists with the drying and hardening processes. More recently linseed seeds are used in health foods because it is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega 3 and 6. It can also be added to animal feeds and has been woven to make a fabric.
linseed in flower
The linseed plants can grow up to a metre tall but height is normally controlled to about 50cm. Linseed produces very pretty, light blue flowers.
Office Space Available to Rent!
May 11, 2010
Rare opportunity to lease The Old Granary, Unit 6, The Hawthorns Rural Business Centre
The Granary - Unit 6
The Old Granary has become available for only the second time since the building was converted in 2002.
Unit 6 is said by many to be the ‘Premier Suite’ of offices at The Hawthorns because of the retention of many of its original features yet providing modern office facilities such as broadband and air conditioning. Visitors have often commented what a lovely home it would make! The Suite offers a prime location in the original courtyard of the farm. The traditional buildings have been converted to a high specification.
Pigeon loft in first floor office - Unit 6
Inside an office - Unit 6
Consisting of 5 well proportioned office/meeting rooms, The Granary has been cleverly bespoke designed to include the original beams, brickwork and unusual features. In addition there are two bathrooms and a kitchenette. The unit is approximately 1,200 sq ft and is a two storey suite.
Ground floor office - Unit 6
The Granary has the bonus of the secluded walled garden which can be enjoyed by employees at break times, especially at lunchtime or even alfresco meetings! The garden is designed in the style of a country cottage and compliments the original features in the farm court yard such as the old cider press. The Rural Business Centre provides a lovely working environment.
Garden Wall - Unit 6
Flowers - Unit 6
Generous onsite parking is available. The Hawthorns is easy to find, located close to the village of Staunton and is a quick 10 minutes from the centre of Gloucester. This Suite benefits from easy access to both the M5 and M50.
The Walled Garden - Unit 6
The Conservation area provides additional outside facilities including the barbecue and picnic benches
Conservation area - Unit 6
Please contact the Estate office – 01452 840227 if you would like to view The Granary and the facilities available at The Hawthorns
