Sheep update from Doug Creed, Farmer

Jan 2023:

I check the sheep and grass most days even if it is sometimes just driving around the crescent and pulling in briefly to check all is ok.

The reason the sheep gather at the gate now, is because I have started feeding them in the trough just inside the gateway, so I only need to pull up in the Land Rover and they get very excited!  I am aware the grass is now quite short, it was my intention to graze the field quite tightly so that there is no carry over of old grass, then I will give the field a rest and I shall be moving the sheep on later this week, but they are being fed and obviously checked regularly.

We are now building up the ewes at home, feeding them up in preparation for lambing again at the end of March. How the seasons come around so quickly.

With the windy weather it is even more important to check that plastic recycling and rubbish bags are secure, especially if put out the night before. Bags of plastic waste are collected weekly from the field and there is evidence that some has been eaten. The Committee used to run weekly clean up rotas after bin day, but it was agreed that all residents would be responsible for litter picking around their own homes or to clean up if waste if it is seen blowing.

Ben moves on to pastures new

We are sad to share with residents that Ben, the lovely Suffolk ram will not be returning this year. He sadly passed away a short while ago. He was a delightful character and much loved by all those who regularly visited him over the last few years. He will certainly be missed.

On a happier note, our old favourite Bill will soon be returning and will be accompanied by a new friend called Basil, a healthy 18 month old ram. We can expect them within the next few weeks. A true sign of Spring!

See Ewe!

Our friendly rams, Bill and Ben, and their pals, have returned to Kelston to get ready for the new season.  They have been replaced by 12 recently-weaned ewes who are decidedly noisy!  Enjoy the rural chorus.

Our Wonderful Sheep!

Many residents will have noticed that the little flock of sheep and lambs disappeared this week.  June is the month for shearing so the sheep returned to Kelston to join the main flock to be done.  As Spring this year proved to be very hot and dry, the grass on the field is only able to support a small number of sheep so just the rams and older sheep have returned for now. Depending on favourable weather and grass growth, more sheep may return in due course.  We keep our fingers crossed!

Here are a few photos of our wonderful sheep

Bill and Ben have returned!

Now that the grass has grown sufficiently, our friendly rams, Bill and Ben, have returned to the field for a well-earned rest, accompanied by two other sheep.

Bill and Ben set to return soon

Our friendly rams, Bill and Ben, will soon return to the field for a well-earned rest, once the grass has grown sufficiently.