As the weather warms up in May it is time for our sheep to be shorn ready for the summer. Here is a behind the scenes snippet of some of the work that goes on in the background to ensure our grasslands at Winterbourne Downs can be a home to the diverse denizens of the downlands.
Shearers Neil, Tom and Rachel busy at work on the RSPB flock by Patrick Cashman
It was a longer session than normal as we hadn’t crutched the sheep in spring and the shearers were here for a full 12 hours, shearing all our 600 sheep in one day. Although the hottest day this week, our sheep hadn't had enough sun on their backs this spring and were a bit light on lanolin for an easy shear, but being a bit sweaty in the afternoon was a bonus!
Brian and Rachel sewing up the woolsacks by Patrick Cashman
Our farm manager Brian was overseeing all and involved with bagging the wool all day long, with the rest or our small team working in relay to help move the sheep from the pens and through the race to the shearers.
RSPB Warden Nicky Quinn moving sheep through the race by Patrick Cashman