Sheep on the North York Moors

Whenever I travel about, I like to know what's going on behind the scenes in the places I'm visiting.

And you might be of the same disposition if you're visiting the North York Moors!

One thing that you'll soon notice when driving, walking or cycling in the high moors around Rosedale Abbey are our very locally distinctive sheep.

Have you ever wondered what they're up to; or where they go? The answers might just surprise you.

Sheep on Parade at Farndale Show.

The annual cycle of life for a North York Moors sheep follows a regular and seasonal pattern which has remained unchanged for centuries.

The year of the sheep might be said to start in November.  For that's when the ewes are rounded-up and mating with the rams takes place.

In December and January the ewes are returned to the uplands and left to roam at will on their patch.

In Febuaray and March, the ewes are often returned to lower land for observation and feeding; especially if they're carrying twins or the weather is inclement.

All remaining ewes are brought off the moors and down to lower ground for lambing to begin in April.

In May, ewes with single lambs are again put out onto the upland moors for grazing.  Ewes with twins or triplets stay down in the valley in the field enclosures.

In June and July, the ewes are rounded-up again for annual shearing, dipping (in insecticide chemical), and are re-marked with the owners mark; before being released to roam free again.

When visiting the Moors, you might notice the red, blue, or other bright colour dye somewhere on the sheep which indicates ownership of the animal.

In August to September, the lambs are weaned off their ewes. 

At this time, "Wether lambs" (castrated males) are sold or fattened-up for sale. 

Shearling males, which are 17-22 months old, are unique to the Moors in having two years of slow growth from free-roaming foraging giving a very distinctive meat quality - neither lamb nor mutton.  Ask for "shearling" at the butchers for a real treat.

In October, "Gimmer lambs" (9-10 month old females) are removed from the high moors and returned to lower ground over the coming winter.

And the cycle of life starts again in November.