Ros Long, Martyn Bishop and Gordon Stanford were presented with their well-deserved medals at the Three Counties Show last week.
Between them they have adapted to innovations in farming and forestry methods and the estate office as processes and procedures have changed beyond measure. If you live on the estate, they will be familiar faces as they continue to share their huge experience and knowledge to benefit the estate and its tenants.
Over the coming week, we will share their biographies with you as they make impressive and interesting reading!
First up, we proudly present Martyn Bishop (far left on the photo).
Martyn started work at Overbury Farms when he left school, joining his father Mike on the farm. Mike was awarded his Royal Three Counties Long Service, Silver Award in 2001.
After two years Martyn found himself moved to the forestry side, working with two others.
Over the years he has turned his hand to many things on the estate and has witnessed huge changes. He believes his current set of machines that process the firewood, do the work six times faster those he used when he started. Today his work is very varied, including responsibility for all the woods and parkland trees (planning, planting, felling and thinning). The health and biodiversity value of the woodland are aspects that Martyn takes very seriously. He constantly battles the deer and squirrel population and is currently trying a liquid which deters deer and successfully trapped approximately 105 squirrels last year. He is regularly seen across the estate as he meticulously checks the extensive network of deer fencing on a regular basis. Martyn also keeps a close eye on the cricket bat willows, ensuring that multiple sets are planted when one is felled, however he also likes to get the measure of the flash agents, ensuring he always gets the best deal for Overbury .
For Overbury’s Countryside Learning days, Martyn’s stand (where he has been assisted by his father Mike) is always very popular with the children. They demonstrate and explain how they fell trees as well as how the timber is then used in our joinery workshop and why this is important in the whole cycle of looking after the woodland.
Over the shooting season Martyn is king of the game cart. On the day everyone sees his happy and helpful face, always with an anecdote or old story as he gathers the birds.
Martyn is a fundamental part of Overbury life, whether seen delivering firewood or taking his beloved Harley Davison for a spin. Martyn is Overbury through and through, both sides of his family were brought up at Overbury and he went to the village school. In these changing times, Martyn continues to be a key member of the Overbury Community.