Welcome back to Notes from the Fields, a new Substack blog written by Alice, the partner of one of our SCA growers. Each month, she’ll be sharing a glimpse of life on the farm as the seasons turn. These notes are a way of staying connected to the food we grow, the land at SCA and the community of people who care for it. Be sure to follow Alice’s Substack to get the latest notes as they’re published.
Winter solstice has arrived, marking the longest night and the shortest day of the year. These darkest days of the year have been celebrated since ancient times, where communities would gather for feasts, fire, songs and dancing.
In Pagan traditions, the solstice was thought of as a time of death and rebirth. Mock battles were held between the Holly King, who rules from midsummer to midwinter, and the Oak King, who rules midwinter to midsummer. The solstice is the time when the light begins its slow return, a steady turning towards new life.
December on the farm
While November brought heavy frosts, covering the fields in silver each morning, December has been wet and wild, with rain and wind sweeping through the valley. It’s been a month of behind-the-scenes work as the farm team have settled into a slower, steadier rhythm. Reskinning the polytunnels has been a mammoth task, spread out across November and December with the help of our wonderful volunteers. We’ve been fuelled by hobnobs, chatter and lots of laughter.
Scattered among the grey and dreary days, there have been some beautiful sunrises and sunsets, lighting up the sky with fiery reds and oranges. One volunteer morning, we worked up in clear skies while Stroud lay hidden below, wrapped up in fog.
With trees now bare, wildlife has become easier to spot. Birds are more brave this time of year, finding the courage to forage without the canopy of green to hide behind. Jays are suddenly in plain sight, moving between hedgerows, oak and lime trees.
Our weekly harvests have continued to be abundant, with lots of root vegetables now coming into their own as plants’ energies have pulled back down into the ground. Beetroot, celeriac and squash have been gathered in, along with our winter salads. We’ve also begun harvesting leeks, and in the run-up to Christmas the team harvested and prepped over 900 leeks for the bumper Christmas share, a no mean feat in the cold and rain!
Elsewhere on the farm, Farmer Sam has welcomed 10 piglets, and the cows have moved into the barn for the winter, leaving the fields to rest. The quieter pace of the season brings time for maintenance jobs, tidying, sorting, and crop planning for next year, laying foundations while the land sleeps. It’s also a time of transition for people, as some farm team members celebrated their leaving do’s, with fresh faces joining us in the new year.
Carols with the Cows
To mark the season together, we’ll be gathering in the barn for Carols with the Cows, a gentle, magical event for children and grown-ups alike. We’ll sing to the cows by fairy light, with songs led by Jo McAndrews. Song sheets will be provided, and the barn will be decorated with fairy lights.
Please bring a torch and wear suitable footwear for muddy ground. We’d love you to join us in celebrating this ancient turning of the year!
And finally…
From all of us at SCA, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year. Thank you for all of your support this year. We look forward to welcoming you back in 2026!
