Keeping Sheep

Sheep are one of the classic smallholding animals, and for good reason. Give them decent grass, sound fencing and a bit of routine care and a small flock will graze your paddocks, fill the freezer or grow you a fleece, and generally get on with life. They're also flock animals with real needs, plus a surprising amount of paperwork before the first one sets foot on your land.

This is where we cover the lot: whether sheep actually suit you, the easy-care breeds worth starting with, fencing and grazing, feeding through the seasons, the routine health jobs nobody warns you about, and the legal registration you must sort first. Start with the beginner's guide below, then dig into the detail from there.