< Previous60-71.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2019 11:32 Page 11LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 71 WEDDINGS Songs from 1940s to present day and much much more Afternoon or evening receptions. For more information call me on 07956 077629 COUNTRY ROCK & POP Cher Adele Queen Shania Twain ©Shutterstock / LightField Studios should be used to dealing with this but it doesn’t hurt to ask. They should have many alternative options available to cater for the likes of vegetarians, vegans, and children but don’t take it for granted; always ask. Hopefully, we haven’t deterred brides and grooms-to-be from organising their own wedding or at least working with your organiser to create the perfect event. While there are lots of things to consider the process can be fun and if you log onto our website at www.lincolnshiretoday.net/weddings you can view our annual wedding guide which has lots of useful advice. 60-71.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2019 11:32 Page 12Lincolnshire wildlife © Shutterstock /Phonix_a Pk.sarote 72 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 72-73.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2019 10:41 Page 1The hedgehog’s most unusual behaviour – which even science can’t explain – is known as anointing. This involves the hedgie frothing at the mouth whenever it comes into contact with a new scent, and then dousing its spines, of which it has around 5,000. It also has a natural immunity to a variety of plant and snake venoms, with some plucky hedgehogs braving adder bites for a meal. They make for surprisingly nimble swimmers and adept climbers. They’ve even been known to turn up in first storey rooms. Although the hedgehog is a likely sight across most of UK, and maintains an enduring fondness with gardeners, the spiny creature has a particular affinity with the people of Lincolnshire. A few years back, an Appleby couple added a hedgehog A&E wing to their animal rescue centre, along with its ‘hutch hotels’ to house hedgehogs which can’t be released back into the wild. And they’re far from the only ones. The Hedgehog Care centre in Louth has been looking after hedgies since 1980, and caters for anywhere between 50 and 200-plus hedgehogs at any one time. Although known collectively as an array, the hedgehog is typically a solitary creature and only ever buddies up to mate. Males and females are unlikely to ever cross paths again, and from three months old, the hoglets are old enough to fend for themselves. Hedgehogs are now classified as a priority species in the UK biodiversity action plan, and protected by law. As more developments pave over their habitats, gardens are becoming something of a safe haven. People are being encouraged to help where possible, either by cutting hedgie shaped holes in their fences or by putting out plates of cat food. The average garden is prime hedgehog country, with piles of logs and black bags a particular favourite. As they roll up into a ball when spooked, hedgehogs are in danger from cars, machinery and bonfires. When in doubt, have a good root around, it’s tough to tell where a hedgie might be hiding. Although all species of hedgehogs hibernate, it does depend on food source and temperature, but traditionally they will be active from April to around October and hibernate the rest of year. Make it your summer project to transform your garden a haven for hedgehogs. With an average life span between 4 and 7 years, hedgehogs are one of the most commonly associated animals with British wildlife, but what might not be as well-known is just how surprising a creature it is. © Shutterstock / B.Stefanov LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 73 © Shutterstock / Kuzmin Mikhail 72-73.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2019 10:41 Page 2Gunby Hall © National Trust 74 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY MANOR HOUSES As the second largest county in England, Lincolnshire commands massive swathes of natural beauty with pristine coastline and areas of outstanding natural beauty from the Fenlands to Wolds. Nestled within this beautiful backdrop are some of the country’s most exquisite manor houses and gardens, many of which are open to the public to enjoy. So this summer why not get out there and experience everything the county has to offer. Although there’s often a small entry charge, it’s usually minimal and reinvested back into the upkeep of the manor and grounds. If you’re planning on making these visits a habit, then it’s worth investing in an English Heritage Pass or an annual National Trust pass which allows regular entry for a one-off yearly cost. There’s a serenity in simply wondering the rooms of an old manor house and feeling history wash over you or pacing the grounds of a well-tended garden of flowers, shrubs and herbs. Yet many of the very best grounds and houses open to the public will run events such as medieval style banquets, arts & crafts shows, seasonal markets and more. Many will also be available for weddings, offering something truly memorable. It can be daunting, however, deciding on where to start with so many to visit. Our advice would be to keep it local, see what’s on your doorstep first before looking further afield. For those in West Lindsey, might we recommend the stunning Gainsborough Old Hall, one of the best-preserved timber framed houses in the UK. In North Lincolnshire there’s Normanby Hall, an impressive Regency mansion set in a 300-acre estate of beautiful countryside. Over in East Lindsey there’s the picturesque Gunby Hall, a homely country house dating back to 1700 set in Victorian walled gardens. South Kesteven, meanwhile, boasts Woolsthorpe Manor House, the birthplace and family home of Sir Isaac Newton. And that’s barely scraping the surface. Add some architectural beauty to your schedule this summer and experience some of the best and most historic sights this glorious county has to offer. You won’t be disappointed. Woolsthorpe Manor House © National Trust The joy of country manors 74.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2019 10:23 Page 1Farming News County Shows Machinery & Equipment Renewables Equine WWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET Link Link Supporting the rural community © smereka / Shutterstock.com 75.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2019 10:18 Page 176 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY The Diamond Sewage Treatment range is suitable for either individual homes or small population applications When Gravity Drainage is not possible choose Allerton Pumping Stations for Sewage or Dirty Water Servicing & Maintenance on a wide range of Sewage Treatment Plant and Pump Stations by BRITISH WATER ACCREDITED ENGINEERS. In rural areas without a mains drainage system, and where septic tanks will no longer reach environmental standards, Allerton can provide the ideal solution. Trading since 1974, Allerton are leading specialists in efficient treatment systems. 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Eddisons CJM Every Friday 9am - 12 noon The Auction Centre Dunlop Way, Scunthorpe, DN16 3RN Auction Dates Tuesday 23rd July Tuesday 3rd September Tuesday 8th October Tuesday 12th November Tuesday 10th December Viewing is always the Friday 1 -4.30pm & the Monday 10am-5pm before the auction close date. 76-79.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2019 10:36 Page 1Calls for increased mental health support for farmers Mental health support for rural areas will become ever more important as the farming industry comes up against some of its greatest challenges, NFU Vice President Stuart Roberts has said. Speaking at the RABI annual general meeting in May, Mr Roberts highlighted how dealing with issues such as Brexit and the impact of climate change can affect a farmers’ mental wellbeing. He emphasised the need for greater NHS resource in rural areas to help those who are struggling. “Many farmers struggling with their mental health have turned to charities for support and these services will undoubtedly become even more important in the future,” said Mr Roberts. “But this needs to go beyond charity support. We need to see government providing more medical resource in rural communities to ensure farmers can get the help they need and deserve.” Farm & Country news LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 77 Hydroponic funding for horticulture producer Jepco Glebe, a horticulture producer and supplier based in Greater Lincolnshire, has secured a £200,000 debt funding package from Maven Capital Partners and the Midlands Engine Investment Fund. The finance will be used to invest in a new hydroponic lettuce production facility – the first of its kind in the UK. Hydroponics involves the process of growing plants by using mineral nutrient solutions in sand, gravel or liquid, without the use of soil. Although Jepco already offers hydroponically-grown salad and vegetables, its existing unit operates at a limited level and does not produce in the colder months of the year. The new facility will provide all-year-round growing capability using environmentally responsible processes and green technology. The investment will also see the creation of four new jobs. Stuart Piccaver, Managing Director at Jepco Glebe, said: “By investing in hydroponic solutions, we will be able to offer our customers a high yielding alternative for the future.” ©Shutterstock / bluedog studio Stuart Roberts Despite uncertainty, data from Defra shows that there has been an increase in organic producers indicating opportunity in the sector. The organic farming statistics for 2018 show that while the number of organic processors has declined, bucking the trend seen over the previous five years, the number of organic producers has increased. However, overall organic land area has reduced, indicating a shift away from larger farms. Although total organic land area in the UK has fluctuated in and out of decline since the economic recession and even though there are less farmers generally in the UK, organic producers are up over 2% since 2017, at 3,544. OF&G (Organic Farmers and Growers), the first organic certification body (OCB) approved by Government, contribute to Defra’s annual organic farming data collection, along with other OCBs. OF&G licensees have increased overall by 2.5% and this growth is driven by new entrants to organic production. ©Shutterstock / Pixelbliss Growth in UK organic producers despite uncertainty, data shows 76-79.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2019 10:36 Page 278 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY GLC REPAIRS LTD GLC REPAIRS LTD Commercials GLC REPAIRS LTD RELIABLE TRAILER HIRE • Flat Bed Trailers • Skeletal Trailers • Taut Liners TRAILER REPAIRS & SERVICING EXPERTS • 30+ Years of Experience • Trailer Servicing Bay • Breakdown Call-out Service • MOT Preparations EUROPA WAY, STALLINGBOROUGH, N. E. 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With the signing of a 99-year lease and associated licences, Riseholme College, a part of Bishop Burton College, will continue to enjoy access to the campus to deliver further education for school-leavers in subjects such as agriculture, engineering and equine studies. Professor Mary Stuart, Vice Chancellor of the University of Lincoln, said: “This landmark agreement ensures Lincolnshire can boast the complete range of post-16 educational opportunities, from short courses and apprenticeships through to Masters and PhD level study, for decades to come.” © University of Lincoln 76-79.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2019 10:36 Page 3Farm & Country news LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 79 Your worldwide freight and logistics partner T: 01709 529709 www.daviesturner.com PIONEERS IN SERVICE SINCE 1870 Action needed to protect Fenland farming, says NFU More needs to be done to protect the future of farming in the Fens, an area of Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire which produces a third of all fresh veg in England, according to a new report from the National Farmers Union (NFU). The Union said that because of its low-lying nature, the land is under threat from flooding, meaning well-maintained defences are essential. The report – titled ‘Delivering for Britain: Food and Farming in the Fens’ – calls for action to safeguard the fens as well as exploring the area’s important contribution. “This document is hugely important. It highlights how the Fens delivers for Britain, both for food and the environment,” said NFU Vice President Stuart Roberts. “It will also act as a one-stop shop for key decision makers to inform policy in the years ahead and secure a successful and sustainable future for this unique landscape.” ©Shutterstock / roger ashford Charity dinner raises £50k for Lincs farming community The recent Lincolnshire Rural Charities Dinner has raised more than £50,000 in support of the county’s rural and farming communities. The annual dinner attracted hundreds of guests with the aim of raising funds to support rural charitable causes in Lincolnshire. Held at the Epic Centre at the Lincolnshire Showground, the event was organised by Lincolnshire Rural Support Network (LSRN), a volunteer-led organisation that provides pastoral and practical support to farming and rural people during periods of anxiety, stress and problems relating to their families and businesses. On the evening, Simon Pearson, Professor of Agri-Food Technology at the University of Lincoln, spoke at the event about his career in agri-tech including his research into robotics. ©Shutterstock / Lukasz Pajor 76-79.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2019 10:36 Page 4Next >