LAMBING SEASON
For most shepherdesses, their favourite time of year is lambing. The lambing season can start as early as December or January in some parts of the country that have milder climates, but peak time is March and April. If tupping (the ram is put with the ewes) has gone well in the autumn and winter, this is the time for sheep farmers to reap their rewards.
“March is the most exciting time,” says Alison. “My sheep are out on the fells all year and they lamb out on the fells. I patrol the fells day and night during lambing and I can be out about 16 to 18 hours a day. It’s tiring and dirty but fulfilling. Every year it revives my passion when the first lamb arrives. It’s always early in the morning, my girls find a corner under a wall or a blackthorn hedge. Sunrise is at 5am and it can be magical. I do share that a lot on social media.
“I can’t believe this will be my 22nd year of lambing here,” adds Alison. “I still love the 4am wake-up. I forget to wash or brush my hair but the lambing shed is clean even when my washing-up is piling up in my kitchen. My girls need me so I am close to my sheep. All my sheep know me and I know them. That first lamb, that first bleat, it is a sign of spring and hope.”