A sheep shot months ago defied odds, giving birth to healthy twin lambs at Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm.
This good news comes after a tough time when someone shot the sheep five months ago. She was hit in the front leg. Kate Ockelton, who manages the farm, said the sheep now trusts the staff, which is a huge deal for them.
The shooting scared the whole herd. But, the mother sheep loves her babies. The farm always faces potential threats, as people act without thinking of what might happen. They hope media attention will keep them away.
Ockelton spoke about the worry at the time, fearing finding injured or dead animals. She said farms are very vulnerable because sheep graze by a public path, making it hard to watch the path all the time.
The farm recovered from the incident and offered lamb holding for kids, including sessions for SEND children. Ockelton said the farm feels like a family. Everyone there loves the animals.
She feels proud of her team and wants the farm to stay a family. Last year, she even had her baby with her, and regulars still ask about her family now. She loves that sense of community.
Seven more ewes will have lambs soon, with two due on Wednesday, three on Thursday, and four or five on Saturday. Two are due on Sunday too.
The farm closed briefly due to a utility problem but reopened on Monday. Lamb sessions go until February 23rd and will also run during the Easter break. The farm is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM.