Letham Shank Glossary

Common terms used in Agriculture and the Countryside.

Earthworm

Estimates say that up to 7.5 million earthworms live in every hectare of ground. They are essential to the health of the soil, they draw organic matter down, bring subsoil up and their burrows assist drainage and aeration.

Elder

A quick growing shrub (Sambucus) which has massses of white flowers in summer which can be used for making wine and black berries in autumn which are used for pies jams etc.

Elm

A slow growing hardwood tree (Ulmus) once extremely common in hedgerows and woods but suffered from Dutch Elm Disease in the late 20th century. Slowly being replanted by Wych Elm which is resistant to this disease.

Ergot

A disease of cereal ears caused by a fungus. Seeds are replaced by black poisonous spore producing bodies. It is not common nowadays due to high seed standards.

Erosion

A natural process whereby rocks, soil and other deposits are worn away by the action of water, ice, or wind.

Ewe

A female sheep, generally after her first lambing.