Watch out for Lambs on the North York Moors

Springtime is very nearly here again; the snowdrops are out; and the nights are beginning to lighten at last.

So not long now and we'll start to see newly-born lambs appearing all across the Moors around Rosedale.

Unfortunately, however, the folks who run the North York Moors National Park Authority reckon that over 200 lambs and sheep are killed on the moorland roads each year.

Winter Flock at Gillamoor.

This is a tradgedy for all concerned; for farmers who lose-out on their livestock; for the sheep and lambs that are killed or maimed in accidents; and for car drivers who damage their cars in collisions.

So please, this spring, if you're a local or a visitor on holiday, please drive carefully on our moorland roads.

Listed below are some tips on sheep behaviour.  So have a read and try to ensure you arrive safely and that you protect our lovely moorland sheep.

+   Lambs can wander-off a short distance from their mother's and will dash-about on the road when they realize they're alone;

+   If you see sheep or lambs on opposite sides of the road - slow down quickly before you reach them - the sheep or lambs will often dash across the road when they realize they're away from their kin;

+  Lambs take a while to get "road smart" and will not follow human traffic rules - so slow down and be prepared to stop;

+   Always "give way" to sheep and lambs on the road - treat it as a nice opportunity to slow down and enjoy our lovely scenary;

+   Sheep and lambs will sometimes lie on the road - particularly in sunny weather when the tarmac is warm - so take care at night for this;

+   You may also notice sheep near places where road-salt has been piled next to the road.  They seem to like the taste!  So watch out for sheep in these locations.

+  If a sheep-mother has a new lamb, it will often be in the process of getting rid of an older sibling.  Sheep with a new lamb will often suddenly butt-away the older sibling when it tries to take milk.  So be prepared for this.

+   Sheep will become very protective (and a bit aggressive) when they have new lambs. So take extra care if you see walkers approaching anywhere near to sheep with lambs.

+   Always be prepard for  sheep and lambs to suddenly change direction.

+   The best rule is to just slow down and allow a bit of extra time for your journey.

And one final note; a sheep (and lambs) comes within the remit of the Road Traffic Act and colliding with one is a reportable accident.

So you are required by law to report it to the police.

If you kill one, leave it at the roadside and voluntarily contact the police and the local authority highways department.

Rosella Luxury Holiday Cottage

Rosella Cottage is a luxury self-catering holiday home in Rosedale Abbey; focussed on the holiday needs of active couples.  

We're in the village-centre and it's easy walking distance to the village shop, cafes, and village pubs with great restaurants.  Built in 1850 but completely refurbished, Rosella offers luxury in the heart of the North York Moors.  To view availability and for bookings, just click here.