A Winter harvest 15th Feb 2009

A Winter harvest

Even in midwinter

Even in midwinter there is forage to be found . Ivy , heavy with leaf at this time of the year catches and holds more snow than most other plants .The host tree or shrub collapses under the additional weight , often breaking fences and restricting lanes and tracks . The cattle are partial to ivy as a tonic , so we gather it for them , sawing into convenient bundles and piling high onto the fore-loader of the tractor before distributing it to them both in  the barn and to the heifers in- waiting in the fields , much to their pleasure .The residual stem makes useful kindling , so we enjoyed a good open fire on Sunday for chill? out time .     The picture is of holly !!