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June 2026
Posted Monday 1st June, 2026
Our flock of breeding sheep and rams were sheared in the middle of May which is a vital point on our sheep calendar. One big job done once a year, but the sheep look so much better after a good haircut! The traditional British breeds of sheep do grow thick fleeces and after a wet and cold winter these have proven their worth but now with the temperature increasing it’s important that the sheep don’t overheat and can cool off quickly. Farm manager Shawn (very apt!) took some pictures of the team in action this year.
The FCLI (Fordhall Community Land Initiative) have some neat ideas for uses of the wool across the farm. Shorn wool acts as weed suppressant and the helps deter pests, such as slugs and snails, from young plants and trees across our fields and community garden. Floating paths have also been made using wool in previous years. These are done in particularly wet and boggy areas of the farm to allow our farm walks and trails to access even the wettest parts of the farm. A combination of stone and wool creates a breathable path, which can let water drain through but keeps the path relatively dry and avoids the use of plastic membrane and pipes in the ground.
The pigs in the woodland carry on going from strength to strength, following the move of the pigs last autumn into the 5 acres of woodland here at Fordhall. All GOS (Gloucester Old Spot) pork sold now will have been raised since being weaned from mother in the woodland. The team have noticed that the pigs are a little stockier because of the terrain that they find themselves in now, having to walk up and down a slight incline but also having lots of undergrowth to root through and trees to walk around has meant that they are slightly more well-built! The fat and flavour that we and the GOS pigs are famous for is even better than before, so we’re happy at how it’s all worked out!
The cows and calves are doing fantastically well on this year’s exceptionally long grass, which helps make sure their mothers have plenty of milk. Shawn’s favourite cow is looking like she’ll be one of the last still to calve. Keeping him waiting!
The bull pictured has fathered many calves in his time here and was looking very majestic on the banks of the river the other night. We keep him separate along with a few other younger bulls this time of the year, away from the cows and calves whilst they are still young to avoid any confrontation.
