After a dry start to the month, which was useful given that we

could make more silage, we had rainy weather which will guarantee

at least a second cut of grass. In general the rain was a steady

drizzle which is also very good as it soaks into the soil and there is

very little surface runoff. This sort of rain collects on plants such

as moss and spiders’ webs.

We had quite a low dawn temperature of only 3.9ºC one morning,

whilst maximum temperatures were over 28ºC. High, wispy clouds

are typical on dry days with southerly winds.

This field was mown in April, by mid May the grass was growing nicely

and by the end of the month we mowed it again for silage.

We fed the cows hay, recently mown fresh grass and a little feed-

stuff. They were also able to graze.

Flower of the month: Navelwort, penny-pies or wall pennywort (Umbilicus rupestris)

Both the common name navelwort and the Latin name “Umbilicus”

are due to the shape of the leaves of this plant, which belongs to

the stone-crop family, Crassulaceae. The plant is believed to be

the kidney-wort referred to in traditional medicine and now-a-days

is used in homeopathic medicine. The leaves, seeds and stems of

this plant are edible and are used in salads, for example.

Recipe of the month: Wild leaf salad with fine cheese

There are many wild plants that could be used for meals. It is how-

ever very important to be completely sure of plant identification be-

fore use and in case of doubt, do not use.It is also advisable to use

young, fresh leaves, not old tough ones in certain cases, as would

be the case of beech and birch leaves, for example.

A combination of the new leaves of the following plants makes a

lovely salad, with a touch of dressing and some diced cheese, pre-

ferably quite a strong cheese (Vista Alegre Baserria fine cheese,

for example):

Navelwort (Umbilicus rupestris)

Chickweed (Stellaria media)

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

Silverbirch (Betula pendula)

Beech (Fagus sylvatica)

Chives / wild garlic(Allium schoenoprasum)

Mallow (Malvasilvestris)

Violet (Viola sp)

Plantain /Lamb`s tongue (Plantago sp.)

Simply wash the leaves thoroughly, chop if necessary, add a dressing

and some finely diced cheese.

If it is the first time you are using some or all of these plants, it might

be an idea to start using one or two sorts with lettuce, trying out the

different tastes and combinations. Additionally, please remember to be

very careful when identifying plants you are not familiar with.

It is relatively easy to spot different wildlife we share the farm with at

this time of year such as this this moth that spent a couple of nights

on the dairy wall (Tussock moth of some sort: Orygia sp?),

this roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) that was sometimes with its'

fawns

or this white-tailed bumblebee (Bombus lucorum) on an orchid

(Serapia sp).

Two heifer calves were born in May, much to our delight. A bull calf

was also born and will be sold on.

Regards COVID, the two eldest members of our team have now had

their first jabs.  The health and economy related problems derived

from COVID are easy to observe both locally and internationally,

however, on the Vista Alegre Farm we are also beginning to notice

supply problems. Thus we had hoped to switch from petrol-based

plastic to bioplastic tubs for our fresh cheese this month, but the

whole supply chain of these tubs is in disarray at present (see our

article on  packaging for the debate on the advantages and disad-

vantages of bioplastics link)