DESPITE the extended winter season, a Huddersfield community farm has welcomed its first calf of 2013 into the world.
The calf was born at Stirley Community Farm, off Ashes Lane, Stirley Hill, with snow still on the ground.
The new-born was particularly special because it was the first to be sired by the farm’s own bull.
Farm manager Ian Smart and his staff had to dig out 5ft drifts to reach the barn to assist with the birth.
To do that they made a makeshift snow plough for the front of the tractor.
Brian Lavelle, West Yorkshire programme manager at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, which runs the farm, said: “Conditions have been tough on the farm which was badly hit by snowfall and we are hoping for some sunshine.”
The farm also has vegetable patches and the corn salad crop planted a few weeks ago has survived the cold snap.
Fingers are firmly crossed for better weather in the weeks to come so planting can really get underway.
Volunteers who want to help with sowing seeds are invited to the farm on Tuesday, April 16, or Tuesday, April 23, between 10am and 4pm. Anyone with even a couple of hours to spare can help. For details ring the farm on 01484 663185 or see www.ywt.org.uk/stirley-community-farm
