This was written in April 2008 and taken from the May 2008 edition of “The Villages”.
At the time of writing the weather is displaying a mood more like Winter! Yet just a few days ago one would have been fooled into thinking Summer had arrived. April seems to have see-sawed from one to the other all the time. The blossom on the fruit trees has been loathe to come out and get pinched by a surprise frost. With great caution there has been a slow opening up in the sunshine, with periods of suspended animation as the cold winds blew. This seems to have protected it thus far. Maybe there will be jam making and freezer stocking after all. The birds have still been flocking to the feeders to ‘top up’ during the cold spells too. But nature has its way and signs of nesting are apparent despite the inclement conditions.
Due to their conception back around bonfire night the time is due for lambs to be born, come what may. The maternity wards and the nurseries were being made ready during March in preparation for the momentous time of ‘lambing’. Our ‘woolly jumpers’ were gradually being moved closer and closer to the farmstead: short steps to each field before finally being marched down the road to nestle in the straw and make ready for their new arrivals. No matter how long the working hours and how great the task, it is always a joy to see so many babies safely born. In our case it’s lambs and in neighbouring places it is the arrival of calves to the cows. In their nursery pens the ewes settle contentedly with their newborn, but remain alert, protective stamps and butts at the ready. Their flow of milk is checked and the babies monitored to be sure they are suckling. Some have to be encouraged if they have had a few problems with the birth and are feeling weak. A few, who produce triplets, will end up with twins when the shepherd skilfully finds a kind ‘aunty’, with only one lamb, to take on the extra one and rear twins herself. This is no mean task as the canny old ewes are not easily fooled into this.
The mysterious guile and persuasion practised by the wonderful vet, students who give up their holidays to assist us as ‘midwives’ at this time is remarkable to observe. It is the art of those who truly care for livestock. An adoring group of little girls from the village lend able assistance with some of the more mundane jobs and gain a wealth of knowledge and experience in the ups & downs of life and death. Some have graduated to taking part in the exciting bits too; it is great education. Inevitably there are orphans; this is always a bit sad but many happily take to the bottle and eventually find their way to a good foster home. Following many and various attentions to their health and welfare the ewes get their teeth checked and are treated to a good pedicure before being turned out to grass to lead their youngsters into the wide world of the Downs. It is a satisfying scenario and sounds all very idyllic but it is also a tough and testing time, lasting round the clock for 2 or 3 weeks. Then the students and children return to their studies leaving us with a few stragglers still to lamb. At present there are 7 plump ladies-in-waiting left in the barn happily hanging on and getting extra rations and dry beds. Many thanks to our supportive neighbours who have consistently sustained the workforce, over the years with the provision of the most delicious homemade cakes and goodies ….. unforgettable! Sadly this is our last lambing as time is taking its toll on our energies and there is also little return in this enterprise. The flock will be dispersed in due course but never fear, we have arranged that there will continue to be sheep on the hills keeping them looking as beautiful as ever.
Sandy Maundrell
Manor Farm, Calstone.