Sheep

Sheepdrove has a flock of 1700 sheep. They give birth to lambs in the spring. The farm keeps a breed of sheep called 'Shetland'. These sheep are very hardy and less prone to illness. Organic farming aims to rear animals in a way that prevents illness and reduces the need for medicines.

Nick, the shepherd, looks after the sheep, assisted by three sheep dogs and part-time helpers during lambing time.

• He is constantly looking at the health of the sheep

• The sheep are given plenty of space. This helps to reduce stress, keep the sheep healthy and prevent illness

• If an animal becomes ill, the farmer or vet will give it medicine to make it better

• Organic farming methods have been successful and have cut the vet bills by over 30%.

Conventional treatment is never withheld if an animal is ill, suffering or considered by a veterinary surgeon unlikely to recover without treatment.

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