Friday 30th September

 All well. 19 fit and hungry sheep. All gates secure. Water trough OK (cleared out pigeon feathers).No walkers in the compartment while I was there. Pippa     pp. Tim

Sheep now in central compartment

19 sheep moved into the central compartment. The nut bucket has also moved next to the trough

They were enjoying eating the regrowth of the areas we have recently cut and raked up.

I spotted one dog from a distance whilst on a power tool off a lead that stayed close to its owner, I was not able to go over to speak to them due to the distance. Sheep were fine but later seemed spooked but I did not see what caused that, no dogs around then.

Wednesday 28 September

 All sheep ok. Water topped up but IBC valve slightly open on my arrival. Need more water as IBC empty. No sheep feed found but I had enough to make a rattle in my container. Nick

sheep moved to western compartment

19 sheep now in the western compartment ready to get their vaccinations on Thursday.

The water here needs to be filled up manually, the connector for the trough wasn't working and I need to buy a new one.

All being well they should be heading into central compartment some time Thursday but will blog then to confirm.

Thanks,

Bea

Sunday 25th September

"I visited both Saturday & Sunday. All 19 sheep well and trough OK. Saw buzzards & kites and lots of harebells"  Pippa pp Chris Lloyd

Friday 23rd September

"Sheep have got good hearing and came from a distance when I was putting a few nuts in the pot. All 19 were there and the trough is at a good level. No dog walkers seen". Pippa pp Tim Evans

Wednesday 21 September

 All 19 sheep appear to be in good health. The all white one is always last in line. It was eating when I threw some feed to the back. They certainly know when you are coming. Nick

Monday 19th September

 19 sheep all looking well. Pippa pp Clare Davies

Sunday 18th September

I am glad to be able to report that there are 19 sheep all eating and moving well today. The black sheep has been removed. Pippa pp Adrian Crossland

Saturday 17th September

I counted 19 sheep today but unfortunately the black sheep was missing so I spent some time looking around the enclosure without success. I called the mobile number on the gate and spoke to a young lady from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight trust who said she would come over to help me look. We spent a couple of hours checking everywhere without success again. I said I would have another look tomorrow and let her know. Unfortunately, in the mean time, a member of the public called two say that they had found the sheep dead (not sure where). Pippa pp Adrian Crossley

I was on the Down early this morning, initially I counted only 19 sheep who all looked healthy. The missing one ( the black sheep) didn't come to the bottom of the Down when I called so I looked for him and eventually found him in the trees standing alone. He was not interested in the feed but otherwise looked ok. 

No other issues noted.

Thursday staff check

Hello all thought I'd see how the sheep are doing.

Please monitor the single black sheep, it didn't seem interested in the nuts or being with the group and watching it for a while it was just staring into space. This can indicate its not feeling too well. 

Let me know if this persists and if you do see it eat let me know, another normal behaviour is chewing the cud which indicates its been eating fine.

Thanks

Bea

Wednesday 14 September

 All 20 sheep in good order. No walkers seen on the down. Gates good. Fires not smouldering. Nick 

Tuesday 13 September

All sheep present and correct. Plenty of sheep nuts (although this new variety seems to absorb the damp and coagulate) and water. Neither canines not humans encountered. Lower gates and fences checked and ok. I'm afraid I didn't make it up the hill to check the upper ones, late week's boutif Covid had left me a bit short of breath

Sunday 11th September

 

"20 sheep present and correct Saturday and Sunday evening.  I had Mossy (on a lead) and they did not seem too nervous of her."       Pippa pp Clare Davies     She has said she is unable to go Monday

 I was on the Down early this morning, all 20 sheep looking well, plenty of food and water.

No problems with gates, fences etc.

Wednesday 7 September

 All sheep in good health. Feed topped up. Water good. No walkers seen. 👍

request for cover

Hi, I do the lookering on Tuesdays but  I have succumbed to Covid, having avoided it for 2.5 years. If tomorrow I feel like I do today I won't be keen on climbing up the hill; could anybody please cover for me? Bea is on holiday. Thank you

Rob Markham has emailed me this evening to report -  I did the wardening this weekend in Broughton Down. Pleased to report 20 sheep present and all looking well.

Friday 2nd September

 All sheep present and eager for a handful of nuts.  Water trough OK.

Gates fine (No 14 by rope swing not properly secured by last user). Even had a drop of rain !

Tim Evans