It’s hard to believe a whole year has passed — and how we’ve missed lambing time, and sharing it with you.

After a particularly wet and muddy January out in the fields, our expectant ewes are very happy to be back inside, warm and dry in the lambing shed. There’s a noticeable sense of calm (for now!), as we prepare for another busy few weeks ahead.

This year we have 17 expectant mothers carrying 29 lambs. Our lambing percentage is slightly lower than usual, most likely due to last summer’s exceptionally dry conditions. With less good grass available, the ewes weren’t quite as well nourished as we would have liked when the rams went in. 

There are a few familiar faces spending time in the shed too. Five of last year’s ewe lambs are growing up nicely, 16-year-old Hester is still going strong, and a couple of ewes are enjoying a well-earned rest year after looking a little thin at tupping time. Sometimes a year off is exactly what’s needed.