[VirginVegGrower]

Probably fresh - it certainly didn't look like peat, like the horse poo described by the poster who is giving the stuff away. At our site you can only buy it from one supplier and you have to take what comes!

Should be rotted for at least six months and the aroma should have gone.

[Kristen]

I wouldn't worry about it, I reckon it will be absolutely fine.  I put well rotten manure on my beds in the Autumn, they don't look any different now (although I am sure the worms will have done a fair bit of "pulling-in").  I will rotavate mine in for some beds, others I'll just leave it as a mulch and "plant through"

Carrots and Parsnips would be better grown in the un-manured bed.

Brasscias like Cabbages and Sprouts like they roots in rock solid ground, so those I don't rotavate, I just plant through.

[potatogrower]

see if it crumples in your hand. if it does then dig it in. if its sticky then wash your hands before eating 

i put some down around Oct too which was a mix of hay and manure and it was only roughly about 2 or 3 inch layer. i had a look at it this weekend gone and its crumbly so i will dig it in once the wind dies down.

[LittleSlugInTheNorth]

Thanks for all your replies and advice, especially about washing my hands before eating