Lambing Season

Hannah shares an introduction to Chapel Farm, where she and her husband Sion (our Farm Manager) live – its history, its quirks, and the thoughtful work being done to nurture it for the future. From growing food to protecting biodiversity, it’s a glimpse into the heart of a farm shaped by people, place, and purpose.

New year, new beginnings and new life – The start of the farming year.

Longer days, blossoming trees, grass growth and warmer temperatures are sure signs that Spring has arrived.

And with that comes one of the busiest periods on our farm – lambing season!

An incredibly busy six weeks has not long come to an end for our farm team, during which time the bulk of the farm’s 500 ewes (female sheep) gave birth, mostly to twin lambs, although some will have a single lamb and a handful will have triplets.

A five-month gestation means discussions around lambing began long before this, with tups or rams (male sheep) joining the ewes in early November for a period of time so they can become pregnant.

Ewes are then pregnancy-scanned in mid-February which identifies which are carrying a single, twin, or triplet lambs. They can then be grouped and fed accordingly, with those carrying more lambs fed that bit more to meet the extra energy requirements that come with growing multiple lambs.

Ewes are brought into fields and paddocks close to home as due date approaches so that a watchful eye can be kept on them as they begin to give birth.

It is an intense time of year, with sheep checked at first light and again several times throughout the day.

Lambs are born outside, with ewes given space to bond with their newly born lambs in the open air – although those which do need it are given a helping hand and occasionally taken into the shed where a closer eye can be kept on them if necessary.

We were blessed with a fantastic Spring this year, with bright sunshine and warm temperatures making for pretty ideal lambing conditions and happy and healthy lambs enjoying the bright sunshine, growing and getting stronger everyday.

It is a joy to see them frolicking in the fields as they grow in confidence to leave mum behind and run with the other lambs having fun.

It is a season that brings challenges and joy every year and as it draws to a close for another year, thoughts on the farm have already turned to Summer work.

Keep up to date with our farm in our next blog, coming soon.