.png)
Life on the Land: Building a Thriving Flock in the Brecon Beacons
- Heidi Davies
- Sep 1
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 10
Published 1st Sept. 2025 | By Heidi Davies
Life on the farm is always evolving, and that includes our animals. While our herd of cows continues to grow steadily, with hopes of reaching 70 in the next few years, our sheep flock is also undergoing an exciting transformation.
With Reuben bringing fresh energy and forward-thinking ideas to the table, we’re focused on building a flock that’s strong, sustainable, and perfectly suited to our land in the Brecon Beacons.
Meet The Flock...
In the past year alone, our flock has grown by around 30%. We’ve introduced 100 pedigree sheep along with 200 Tefrom and Aberfield crosses, breeds specially chosen for their excellent maternal instincts and ability to thrive on grass, with minimal need for extra feeding or intervention.
These sheep are what we like to call “genetic high flyers.” They boast lambing rates of 155% to 170%, meaning many ewes successfully give birth to twins, and sometimes even triplets! They’re also low-maintenance during lambing season, which makes a big difference when you’ve got hundreds of ewes to keep an eye on.
These sheep are what we like to call “genetic high flyers.”
Life On The Land
Despite the farm’s challenging conditions and just 90mm of rainfall annually, we’re fortunate to be able to grow an abundance of lush grass. That rich pasture is what helps our livestock thrive, and it's also what makes the UNESCO-recognised Geopark landscape around us so special for our guests.
Our sheep graze on diverse herbal pastures, supporting both their health and the health of the soil. It’s a win for the animals, the environment, and the flavour of the food we produce.
Lambing Season: The Busiest Time of Year...
Lambing season here typically runs from early March to the end of April. It all kicks off in autumn, when our nine rams are introduced to the ewes in October and November.
Sheep carry their lambs for about 145 days, so if a ewe is served on Bonfire Night (5th November), you can expect her lamb to arrive right around April Fool’s Day!
It’s a magical time on the farm, one full of new life, long days and even longer nights, and more than a few heartwarming moments.
Selling Sustainably...
We’re proud that our organic lamb and beef go directly to Waitrose, where they form part of their organic supply chain. Working with Waitrose is a privilege, they share our commitment to animal welfare, sustainability, and environmentally responsible farming. These are values at the very heart of what we do here every day.
Sheep Talk: A Beginner’s Guide
Sheep farming comes with its own language, and you might hear us or other local farmers using some of these terms during your stay.
Here’s a quick guide to help you sound like a seasoned shepherd:
Ewe – A female sheep that has given birth.
Cull Ewe – An older ewe retired from breeding.
Lamb – A sheep under 12 months of age.
Mule – A crossbreed, often hardy and good for breeding.
Pet Lamb – An orphaned lamb raised by hand (usually in the kitchen!).
Hogg / Hogget – A weaned young sheep between 9–18 months old, pre-shearing.
Store – A weaned lamb sold to be fattened before slaughter.
Ram / Tup – A male breeding sheep.
Wether – A castrated male sheep, usually raised for meat.
Farming with Purpose...
Our growing flock is not just about numbers, it’s about doing things right. From genetics and grazing to animal welfare and land management, we’re committed to low-input, pasture-based systems that work with nature, not against it.
So while you're out walking the fields, enjoying the views, or relaxing at the holiday home, know that the sheep you see around you are part of something meaningful. They’re helping us build a resilient, regenerative farm, and maybe bringing a smile to your face with their playful lamb hops and bleats.
Would you like to see lambing in action? If you're visiting in spring, ask us about what’s happening in the lambing sheds, we love sharing the experience!
Comments