Monday 30th September

 Found all 49 sheep, all looked healthy although most were sitting so I didn't spot the limper.

Water good but sheep nuts almost run out now.

No dog walkers seen, no changes to gates/fences.

And a lot drier than last Monday :-) !!

Sunday 29th September

 I checked both days: 47 on Sat & counted 49 (twice) on Sunday. All looked in fine health. Gate number 2 is back on but the latch no longer reaches. I cleared quite a lot of undergrowth from the path leading down to the pen in the Western compartment.

Pippa   pp. Adrian Crossley

Friday 27th September

 Pretty sure there were 49 (in 3 groups) in undergrowth near Hampshire gate - all seemed fine.

About 2 inches nuts in red bin.  Surprisingly water trough full !!

Field gate by No4 was open again (about 2 ft). Collected some more heavy logs to secure.

Gate 1 by corral - closing mechanism needs moving an inch or so to ensure securing properly.

Met 2 ladies with dogs (not on lead) in Orchid area. Politely reminded them that sheep were in the enclosure - apologetic and complied.

Tim Evans

Thursday 26 September

All 14 wfw and 35 Shetland found, on the slope and in the woods. No walkers or dogs. Gates ok except the vehicle gate at West end of footpath which has no chain, as reported by Jenny yesterday

; I propped it closed as in picture but this is not sheep proof. Water trough full. Nuts ok

Wednesday 25th September

Only 41 sheep checked and located today. 8 were in the woodlands, I could hear them but not see them. They were clearly not bothered about coming out today. 

All sheep appear in good shape (apart from lots of thistles in their wool)

There is one WFW with a limp. Front left foot, he regularly lifts the leg when standing still. He walks ok on the leg ok, but it's maybe uncomfortable. I couldn't get close enough to check his tages, but nhad blue and yellow ear tags. Photos below.

Gates 11 & 13 self closing working, but latches are misaligned. 

Vehicle gate (no number) near gate 4 was open, I've closed it. 

Water troughs all good. 

Less than 1/4 of food left in the tub.

2 x Dog walkers in site.

Monday 23rd September

 Found all 49 sheep and all looked healthy. Surprisingly 21 were out grazing in the open but the other 28 were under cover.

Water near full, but starting to run low on sheep nuts.

It was very wet and the bare chalk was like ice, I had two falls on the chalk but luckily only one heavily and then I landed on the softest part (bottom) so was okay.

No dog walkers seen on the nature reserve.

Sunday 22 September

The sheep were all out grazing this morning even though it was a little wet underfoot. All 49 sheep appear healthy , plenty of water in trough, feed nuts low.

One couple walking with two dogs - both on leads.

Latch to gate 3, not catching and bolt on gate 14 ditto  nb: this gate was open

Friday 20 September

All 49 sheep appear to be well , all hiding in the trees and bushes close to the gate to the central compound. Nuts are running a bit low but plenty of water, no walkers nor dogs.

Wednesday 18th September 2024

Hello, I'm new to the group and this is my first report.  

All 49 sheep located and accountable. They're in good shape, nothing to report. 

Water troughs and nuts well stocked. 

I managed to locate and inspec 10 gates (need to work on my route to cover all 14) but all in working order, no fencing problems to report. 

No walkers or dogs.

Bumped into Bea and the fencing contractors on site, left with the contractors working but nobody in sight. 

Monday 16th September

 Difficult one, I counted only 40 sheep in/around a small copse of hazel trees just to the South of the water/food. The ones that I could see clearly all looked healthy but a lot were sitting in the shade of the hazel copse and I couldn't get in to see clearly.

I was unable to find the other 9.

There are tracks/sheep droppings leading into the bowl in the centre of the compartment but for safety reasons I only go so far into there and there is a lot of undergrowth there at the moment so I couldn't see as well as in the winter (so I suspect they are there somewhere).

Food and water both fine.

Gates to Central Compartment had an open latch and gate 3 has no latch but I don't think a sheep can get out.

No dog walkers seen.

Sunday 15th September

 Happy Sunday, All 49 sheep still looking great 👍 Nothing has changed 🤩

Pippa    pp. Chris & Debs Barlow

Saturday 14th September

What a wonderful sunny day.  The some of the sheep were shading and were enjoying the sunshine. All were present and correct.  Looking ‘as happy as Larry’…Gates all good / closes, water trough full…no dog walkers around - nothing to report.

Pippa     pp. Chris & Debs Barlow

Friday SHEEP MOVE

Sheep moved into western compartment.

They were very excited all afternoon with the fresh grass so couldn't get an accurate count. 

All gates going into this compartment now have signs on them. IBC and trough full and functioning

Friday 13 September

I found 40 sheep in the trees next to the feed bucket and water trough and the remaining 9 along the fence towards the western compound.

All sheep look to be in good condition , there is plenty of food and water.

No walkers or dogs

Friday 13th September

 All 49 sheep looking well. Water & gates OK. No one about

Pippa  pp Tim Evans

Monday 9th Sept

All 49 well. Troughs good and I topped up the nut bucket

Had to get back for conference but noticed gate 8 not self closing will get back this week to alter the gate spring

Sunday 8th September

 All 49 happy sheep found.

Pippa pp   Nicola & Paddy Mawhinney

Friday 6th September

The weather was miserable, I got properly soaked (!!) and sheep looked reflective of the weather. Despite best efforts I counted 3 short - I walked the perimeter and no sign of problems. One was lying down and didn’t follow with the others but when I approached it got up and no limp so all good. No other walkers and all quiet.  

Tim & Dave both away so Tim Powell went Friday         Pippa Evans 

Tuesday 3rd September

All 49 sheep present. Wfw Number 32 has slight limp and a bare patch behind his left armpit, but there again I think others had less pronounced bare patches. Lots and lots of scratching going on amongst both breeds but no other sign of problems. Water and food ok, no dogs or walkers on the compartment but there were some on the tumulus. 

The sheep had all gathered around the trough, making for a very easy lookering for once!