That’s quite a bold statement to make I know, but I believe it’s true. Sheep really are the true bosses of the hills and I’ve got loads of reasons why this is the case. Please don’t give up here, believing the author has lost the plot. If you love the hills like I do, then I reckon you’ll be nodding in agreement most of the way through.
A Love Is Born
When I first started to properly explore Britain’s hills around a year ago, I must confess that I hardly gave sheep a second glance. Other than having an ant obsession as a kid, I’ve never really been interested in wildlife. Travelling with my girlfriend Louise soon changed that though. This is a woman, who would openly admit that she loves and almost knows everything there is to know about nature. Her balcony must be the most flowery in Essex and she is drawn to wildlife in the same way I am drawn to camping videos online.
On our many trips to Wales, I would be fighting for her attention as sheep seemed far too much of a distraction. She would talk to them on our walks and even give them names. Big Boy Sheep near Fairy Glen in Snowdonia still has the most special place in her heart. Yes Louise is slightly bonkers, but she somehow managed to peak my interest in these woolly animals that appear to decorate the entire Welsh landscape.
Now I adore sheep and it actually makes my trip even more enjoyable when I can get close to them. They are awesome and I now consider them part of the landscape and true bosses of the hills. I suppose I should now provide you with some evidence to back this statement up. Here we go…..
Sheep Are Tough
Move over Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua or any other boxer for that matter. You might rule the fighting world but I don’t think you’re anywhere near as tough as your average sheep. They have to put up with a lot of crap and you never hear them moaning about it.
Sheep mostly live in the hills and mountains of Britain, where the weather is usually at its toughest. They’re turf is also often open without a tree in sight. When it’s blowing a gale or the rain is coming in sideways, sheep just carry on and get on with it. I’ve actually been a bit jealous of them at times as I grimace in the rain. They almost appear to have a look in their eye that tells me to stop being a snowflake and just toughen up. They’ve got a point I suppose. Skin is waterproof, but then again even a down jacket can’t compete with their woolly jumper. I daren’t tell them that though.
As a Forest School Leader, I often tell the children that there’s no such thing as inappropriate weather just inappropriate clothing. I reckon any sheep out there on the hillsides would agree with that statement. They’re living proof!
Role Models For The Vegan Lifestyle
You’re probably thinking that title is on the ridiculous side. Bear with me though. I promise it will make sense by the end of the paragraph.
Most of us have been brought up to think that a balanced diet is needed to keep us fit and strong. Meat is an important part of this or so we are lead to believe. Many animals including sheep blow this one out of the water. They spend most of their day grazing exclusively on vegetation and you won’t find bowls of pasta in their diet to provide energy or chicken breast to aid recovery after exercise. Despite this, they’re often on their feet and cover pretty challenging terrain with ease. They’re strong as anything and don’t need the produce of other animals to help them. I’m yet to see a sheep out of breath.
Sheep Are Smart
If you have ever had the pleasure of watching the 1995 film ‘ Babe’, then you’ll agree with this statement. I feel sheep are sometimes unfairly branded stupid just because of the sound they make and the way they sometimes stand still and do little other than move their mouths around in a circular motion as they grind food. I think this is about as accurate as calling a Brummie stupid just because of how they speak. Nonsense!
I’ve been lucky enough to watch a tough Welsh sheep farmer try to round his flock up in the wild Cambrian Mountains. This man was a seasoned and weather-beaten pro, yet it needed every effort of himself and his sheep dog to gather the last sheep. It appeared to read their every move and knew exactly what to do to make things as difficult as possible. Only swearing and twenty minutes of his life allowed the man to succeed in the end. I only wish I had filmed the event. It was comedy gold!
In reality, a bit of reading told me that sheep have an IQ that rivals cows and intelligence that matches pigs. I know none of these will be winning Mastermind anytime soon, but it shows that in the animal word at least they’re up there in the brain department.
They Won’t Be Beaten In A Stare-Off.
If you don’t believe this claim, then I set you the challenge of going out there and trying it for yourself.
If you don’t usually like to start such intense interactions then don’t worry. Sheep always seem wary of an approaching stranger and probably assume that we’re all potential farmers. Because of this, at least one of the flock will start the stare off for you and will not avert their gaze ( or stare ) until you are well past. You may find that the entire flock decide to join in. This is both an amusing and also unnerving experience. I’ve been in that situation several times and it makes me both laugh and also walk quicker. When the flock start walking towards you then it really is time to up the pace like I did on the way up to the incredible Sand Tarn in The Yorkshire Dales.
Lambs Are Just Gorgeous
I could just plant a photo of a lamb here and be done with it. If you’ve ever been close to a lamb out in the hills, then you’ll know just how gorgeous they are. Everything from their snow-white coat to high pitched bah is simply adorable. Take the time to watch them and you’re in a for a treat too. I’ve seen them having running races with their siblings, hiding behind a rock just to get out of the wind and of course annoying the life out of their mothers. It appears their eating etiquette only improves slowly, as the underside of mum takes a hammering every time the young go in for a feed. Hilarious.
Myself and Lou have fittingly decided to call most lambs we see now Dave. This is of course after the LBC radio presenter and politician David Lammy.
Sheep Can Really Love
I think I’ve saved the best until last. I’ve already spoken about their intelligence and it is maybe for this reason that sheep really have the ability to love, especially when it comes to their offspring. They are very protective of their young and you can literally see the mother communicating with the lamb, telling it to come back as its inquisitive nature makes it want to investigate the big human smiling at it.
This article goes into more detail, speaking about how you can actually see the facial expressions of the ewe as it welcomes its baby into the world. Well worth the read.
In Conclusion……
I’ve really enjoyed writing this. Every line has made me realise even more how much I enjoy sharing the hills and mountains with sheep. These four legged lawn mowers are intelligent, tough and also downright hilarious at times. Next time you’re out, be sure to stop and say hello and don’t forget that if you do take one on in a stare-off, be prepared to be in for the long haul.