Another cold May day! At least it's not raining today.........yet.

Just off out to sort out some lambs for the market tomorrow. Now that all the hay meadows are grazed off and closed up to grow we have a small surplus of sheep so time to sell some. Once the hay is all made and the fields have some new growth on them we will buy some more back in to graze them down over next winter and so the cycle continues.

We reached a small milestone recently when we sold our 100th lamb through the box scheme.

Most of the Swaledale have now been sold this season and the rare breeds are just starting. There are currently Hebrideans, Shetlands and Manx Loaghtans available.

In true community supported agriculture style we have also launched an option to pay a small monthly amount by standing order, receiving your half lamb once the amount paid reaches the value of the lamb.
If anyone is interested please contact us through the Flexigraze email flexigraze@northwt.org.uk

Steve Emsley taking delivery of the 100th lamb

The sheep below have been busy grazing on the aqueduct at Whittledene to keep the grass down and removing competition before the wildflowers start to grow.

They have done a pretty good job as you can see below.

 With the spring arriving early this year it is now nearly time for them to move on to their summer grazing pastures and let all the species emerge and flower before they return in the autumn to repeat the process.

Some of the Highland cattle grazing the meadow at Hedley hall for the Woodland Trust. They have done quite a good job so far and will be there for another 3-4 weeks before they come off to let the meadow grow on and flower later in the summer.

It's all very well having quiet and docile animals but it is difficut to take a picture with a horn pushing into your armpits.........

The mild weather and earlier start to spring has allowed sheep sales to start sooner this year. 15 have gone away this week and there are plenty left so if anyone is interested please get in touch. We have held the price at £65 per half lamb. In my opinion between now and June is when they are at their very best.

It's been a busy week this week with putting sheep out onto the wildflower meadows to give the grass one more graze off before the spring growth gets underway properly. By ensuring the grass is grazed down short at the start of the growing season it allows the less competitive plant species to grow and flower more effectively through the summer. The sheep will stay there for 2-3 weeks before moving onto other pastures for the summer.

What does Jess get up to when she's not hard at work gathering the Flexigraze sheep...................

She has her own personal box next to the fire where she can chill out and keep a watchful eye on proceedings!