WINTER is definitely gathering pace with dull, grey rainy days becoming the norm.

The recent run of good weather was good news for animals. Almost all are still outside enjoying the lush grass thanks to the warmth of the soil.

This year’s warmer weather has been especially great for lambs, which can still be seen gambolling in the fields.

We may have further mild weather according to the Met Office whose latest three-month forecast warns of an increased risk of unsettled, wet but mild weather. This is potentially dreadful news for the many farmers on the Somerset Levels who are only just recovering from last year’s devastating floods.

Autumn ploughing will be under way shortly.

Ploughing is an all-absorbing task, as conditions change across the field they necessitate small adjustments and tweaks to the plough and of course a ploughman needs a good eye and a steady hand, as ploughs are only designed to work in perfectly straight lines.

Congratulations to our tractor driver Phil who came third in last month’s ploughing match.

The hedgerows are looking very smart in the countryside at the moment as farmers are allowed to cut them annually between October and March.

Cutting during the rest of the year is not allowed in case they disturb nesting birds.

Changes in farming practices are believed to have had adverse impacts on farmland birds such as skylark and grey partridges. On the other hand other species such as woodpigeon, stock dove and goldfinch have benefited and, in some cases, almost doubled their numbers, which just shows how birds vary between species.

Talking of birds, have you noticed the increased hooting of an evening as owls shout out protecting their patch?

It is good to hear that barn owls are enjoying a better 2014, following a tragic 2013. The barn owls suffered their worst year on record last year as they struggled in the bitterly cold spring, causing a drop of as much as 70 per cent nest occupancy.

I have had a plea from horse riders and, as a mother of a toddler who enjoys splashing about in muddy puddles, I agree with their plea for drivers to slow down. The country roads are coated in mud and fallen leaves, making conditions very tricky. Please consider all people and animals which could be just around the next corner.

Talking of around the corners – Christmas is looming.

November is a month for baking. The Christmas cake has been made and is being fed generously with liquor on a weekly basis and the ingredients are bought already for “stir up Sunday” at the end of the month. Just got to make sure the liquor lasts for the next few weeks.