Cumbria Has Six Times More Sheep Than People!
Cumbria (like Northumberland and Shropshire) is a county with more sheep than people. Around six times more, out of season! They are mostly Herdwick sheep that are adapted to this climate. However, farmers have a constant battle to stop foot-rot, due to the grass never really drying out. And have to carry sprays, to be on the lookout for treating each sheep they find.
If you see a sheep on its back (often due to waterlogged wool but sometimes being pregnant), it’s important to quickly turn it upright, or it will die. If you can’t find a farmer, simply approach and firmly but gentle grab a handful of wool, and right it up.
Stay with the sheep until the rain has drained off, then tell the local farmer. The sheep won’t thank you, but will likely run off to join the flock. But you will have saved its life.
Sheepeasy is a device invented by an engineer, that makes it easy and quick to treat the feet of sheep, goats and alpacas. Regular footcare is of utmost important, especially in the Lakes, due to all the rain.
Sheep Are Not Stupid!
Somewhere along the line (whether it’s history or the media), there has become this terrible myth that sheep are stupid. Far from it. Sheep are intelligent creatures that simply like to follow their flock. But they can recognise up to 50 human faces, and even know if you are smiling at them!
That’s why it’s so important not to spook sheep, as they could even miscarry, if in shock.
Always follow the Countryside Code, to keep both dogs and barnyard creatures safe.
