English Counties with More Sheep Than People!
A few counties in England have more sheep than people (outside of tourist seasons). This is on the one hand nice (free-range sheep that graze the land). But also sometimes due to so many people eating them (not good, we don’t think, as sheep are fabulous creatures).
Sheep are not stupid, they can recognise up to 50 faces, and even know if you are smiling at them. But always leave them alone, as they spook easily and could miscarry.
Follow the Countryside Code, to keep dogs & livestock safe.
Shropshire
Known for its ‘blue-remembered hills’, one journalist was once sent around England, to discover his favourite county.
Northumberland almost won (but he didn’t like the cold and wind!) So he pipped for Shropshire!
Northumberland
Again, more sheep than people! This cold windy county is ideal for sheep, as they keep warm with their woolly coats, and they are left alone in a county that’s a National Park in itself.
Cumbria
This county has six times more sheep than people, outside of tourist season.
Herdwick sheep are suited to the isolated Cumbrian Fells climate, counted by farmers using the yan-tan-tethera method, a rhyme that uses rounds of 20 (also used in ancient times to count knitting stitches!)
On a serious note, farmers have a non-stop battle with scald and foot-rot, as the grass never dries out, due to constant rain.
Sheepeasy was invented by an engineer, it’s a seat to let farmers treat feet of sheep, goats and alpacas, while keeping them secure but docile.
Learn how to Right an Overturned Sheep
Learn how to right an overturned sheep or it will die (hold upright until rain has drained off). Always find the farmer afterwards to inform, in case of medical care needed.
Sheep don’t sleep on their backs naturally, due to having four stomach chambers. So if they fall over (sometimes due to the weight of rain or pregnancy, or even scratching an itch), they often can’t right themselves. And if not turned back up by a human, they will die.
Gently approach the sheep, grab a handful of wool and turn it back upright. The sheep will likely run off to join the flock, or be a bit wobbly at first. Stick around to ensure the sheep is okay.
Especially if the sheep fell upside down due to the weight of rain. It’s important to hold the sheep to allow the rain to drain off, so it doesn’t happen again.
Although vegans don’t wear wool, sheep do need shearing, as not doing this can create waterlogged coats, which can lead to them falling over, due to the weight of the water.
Don’t turn a sheep on its side, this could twist the intestines and cause a blockage. Obviously if you can find a farmer quickly, great. But if you need to act urgently, here’s a simple video to show you what to do.
