We in Abingdon are getting used to seeing more sheep in the fields around the town. There have been sheep grazing near Abingdon Lock for some time now, so they’re no longer a novelty.

But on a walk today, I saw a larger flock in the field with Tesco and Premier Inn behind. They also appeared to be all adults, rather than the usual mix of sheep and spring lambs seen near the Lock.

Large groups would charge about in large numbers — first one way, then the other — as if being chased. But there was no signs of a dog. They could be new and not used to the area and so easily spooked.

There are currently sheep and lambs in the field at Peachcroft Farm, which was previously used for free-range turkeys and geese.

Planning applications have been submitted relating to some of the buildings at Peachcroft Farm. Until recently, these were use for free-range turkey rearing, which has ceased. The wider site also includes a number of workshop and storage units, the Grade II listed Peach Croft Barn, and Wells Farm Shop and Cafe.

The barns formerly used for turkey rearing are now proposed for flexible commercial use such as storage. Poultry rearing in this area has become increasingly high-risk due to the spread of bird flu. The sheep and lambs are popular with visitors and staff.

It’s evident this year that maize has become the main crop in the agricultural land surrounding South Abingdon. Fields bordering Masefield Crescent

and those near Overmead and Virginia Way are cultivating this tall plant.

Known for its efficiency in transforming sunlight into biomass, maize serves as a source of animal feed. And with the growing emphasis on renewable energy, it is used in the production of biogas through anaerobic digestion, as highlighted by Countryfile.

The road to Abingdon Lock and nearby buildings and farmland reopened yesterday after a few weeks when the road was resurfaced.

The road is now available to tractors and other vehicles used to harvest wheat in the adjacent field where work began today.

The combine harvester cuts down the crop, separates the grain from the stalks and every so often shoots the grain into an adjacent tractor-trailer.