A term synonomous with the uniquely Australian way of speaking.
Only in Australia and New Zealand does the term paddock have any significant meaning. We use it to refer to any wide open space and therefore it can be used in multiple contexts, but the main meaning is a field or grassland, typically a fenced field on a farm.
"I'm going to mow the back paddock" - is something we would say without thinking. Meaning to mow a field somewhere behind the house.
But the term has pervaded other subjects, notably Australian Rules Football. Our unique game (and, frankly, the best football game in the world!).
Often you will hear the commentator call - "He's got a paddock to run in", or, "He's got an absolute paddock", referring to the players ability to run and create space as part of an attacking move.
The most famous is Pagan's Paddock, not referring the the pagan's or bygone eras, but to Denis Pagan's coaching of North Melbourne in the 1980's and 90's when he devised the tactic of creating space for Wayne Carey, one of the best all-time players, to run in to.
It should be noted here that I am not a follower of the club North Melbourne, but instead am a paid up member of the Melbourne Football Club.
But back to paddocks...
My property is divided in to about six paddocks. Two large ones at the front, about 6 acres each, then others in the middles and the back of varying sizes.
My challenge is what to do about these areas, but first thoughts are around:
- Mowing / slashing
- Revegetation
- Possibly a small vineyard
- Removing fences to open up wildlife corridors
- Creating paths and tracks for walking and a little mountain biking
The priorities and development of these ideas will form topics for later posts.
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