The Southdowns at Mumbleys Farmhouse

Mumbleys Farmhouse is an 11 acre smallholding just outside Bristol.  We keep a wide range of native and rare breeds, including three types of sheep – commercial hybrids, Southdowns (in two colours!) and Grey Faced Dartmoors.  This gives the delegates on our courses a variety of types to consider and handle.  This one day course is designed to give you a complete introduction to keeping sheep, whether as pets, lawnmowers or fattening lambs.  We will also cover an introduction to breeding your own lambs and what is involved.

The Course: This is a combination of theory, demonstration and practice, with opportunities to participate at all levels.  If you wish to sign up with a particularly keen partner, but just want to look, that is fine!  There are plenty of jobs to occupy an Assistant Shepherd!

Part One – Choosing your Sheep: The different uses for sheep, a discussion of the various types and breeds, their different uses & merits and what you should consider in making your choice.

Part Two – Grazing & Feeding: Managing grassland for sheep – how much you will need, hedges, fencing and shelter and what to do in winter.

Part Three – Routine Management & Health: What needs doing on a daily, weekly & annual basis.  The Shepherd’s Calendar.  What equipment you need.  How to handle a sheep – demonstrations & practicals!

Part Four – Advanced Shepherding: A brief look at breeding and lambing and its requirements.

Equipment: Please wear warm, comfortable clothing you don’t mind getting messy and bring a waterproof coat and wellies or stout shoes.

Price: £90 per person (adults only), including refreshments & a home-cooked farmhouse lunch of local delicacies and our own produce.

Time: 10am– 4pm

Maximum No. of Students: 8

Location: Mumbleys Farmhouse, Sweetwater Lane, Mumbleys, South Glos BS35 3JY.

Tel: 01454 415296

To book online, go to www.mumbleysfarmhouse.co.uk/payment.html