The World’s Cutest Sheep

In her first column, Allison Lee sets out how she ventured into smallholding and says it isn’t just a lifestyle choice. It's about embracing the land, working closely with nature, enjoying the weather all year round, and possibly taking on the responsibilities of caring for animals and growing produce.

Anyone looking for a healthy work-life balance can take on the challenge. You don't have to own acres of land to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle that a smallholding can bring. A few chickens, dwarf fruit trees in pots on the patio, and a small vegetable patch can bring just as much fun and enjoyment as acres of pasture, an orchard, and a menagerie of animals. Anyone can enjoy the lifestyle that a smallholding has to offer.

I first ventured into smallholding about six years ago. I had always wanted to keep animals for fun and perhaps to breed, and I now live on a six-acre site in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside, surrounded by ponies, donkeys, sheep, goats, pigs, and chickens. They all bring their own challenges, but they also provide an enormous amount of pleasure, and the life I lead is made all the better because of them.

Valais Blacknose sheep

While the British summer has been somewhat elusive so far this year, we can never be remiss on the smallholding. Despite the unseasonably low temperatures, it is always important to be alert for signs of fly strike in sheep.

They are great fun, affectionate, and a complete joy to have around.

I own a small flock of purebred Valais Blacknose sheep, along with four mixed-breed Valais, and the summer weather is always a concern due to their thick fleeces. Valais Blacknose sheep should be sheared twice a year rather than annually, as with most breeds, as their fleeces grow fast, making them ideal targets for flies.

Flystrike in sheep and lambs occurs when blowflies lay eggs in the sheep’s fleece. These eggs hatch into larvae, and the larvae turn into maggots, which then eat the sheep's skin and tissue. Flystrike is a very painful condition and can be fatal if not treated immediately.

Flystrike is more prevalent during the wet, warm months usually associated with spring and early autumn; however, due to the weather we have experienced in the UK this year, it is becoming more frequent during the summer months as these have been much wetter than usual, and therefore it is always best to be vigilant and check sheep regularly for signs of infestation. Common signs of flystrike include a blackened fleece, lethargy, visible signs of maggots in the fleece, and a low appetite.

I ensure that my sheep are sheared around April and then again in September. After that, I treat them with a solution such as Crovect, which can provide protection for up to eight weeks.

“The World’s Cutest Sheep”

Once the important care and maintenance jobs have been carried out, I can enjoy spending time in the paddocks. Valais Blacknose sheep are renowned for being naturally friendly and inquisitive. They have gained the title of “The World’s Cutest Sheep,” and it is easy to see why. They are considered a rare breed, with only around 20,000 in the world.

Originating from the Valais region of Switzerland, these beautiful sheep are a dual-purpose breed raised for both meat and wool. Still, on my smallholding, they are bred and kept solely as pets and can often be seen running around the paddock with my four dogs, wagging their tails, and obediently coming to greet me when I call their names.

I feel very privileged to own a small flock of these wonderful animals, and their care and well-being are always at the forefront of my mind. They are great fun, affectionate, and a complete joy to have around. They have a unique appearance with their distinct black markings on their faces, legs, and tails, and they are an extremely intelligent breed. Valis Blacknose sheep enjoy interacting with their carers, and I have enjoyed endless fun in the paddocks with my flock, who have a special place in my smallholding family.