Unbaalievable! Soay lambs born this August at Flag Fen. 

Unbaalievable! Soay lambs born this August at Flag Fen.

Flag Fen’s shepherd, David, was caught on the hop as a surprise lamb was born, on 8th August with more confirmed on the way.

Flag Fen is home to a small flock of rare breed, Soay Sheep which consists of 48 ewes and just one ram. Soay sheep are hardy and self-sufficient miniature Sheep.

The flock was established at Flag Fen over twenty years ago as part of the development of the visitor experience.

Most domestic sheep are lambed in the springtime, but in keeping with this rare breed, it is not uncommon for Soay sheep to lamb in the summer. However, the ram Angus here at Flag Fen has lived with the ewes for seven years without producing any lambs so, imagine shepherd David’s astonishment when one of the ewes gave birth.

“As unexpected as it was, it’s been lovely to see the new arrivals here at Flag Fen, we didn’t think Angus had it in him!” David told us,

“the team here have quickly adapted to the new arrivals, making sure the flock are secure and have access to plenty of shelter. Soay sheep spent many generations as ferals and know how to look after themselves. Ewes lamb easily and make excellent mothers so we are letting nature lead the way and only on standby if we need to assist. The ewes have successfully delivered 6 lambs so far and we are patiently waiting for more to arrive”.