Sheepish

In the valleys we've now got a patchwork or rather a pebbledash of snow over the flat fields. Higher up on the Cotswolds we have seen quite a bit more than is usual - about a foot!! The roads are passable having been ploughed and gritted so no problems getting around unless you live in a more remote farm or dwelling.

Driving over the hills with the verges piled high with snow some of it drifting the scene was truly stunning. Some of the roads had become tunnels of snow laden branches which was fabulous to drive through with melting clumps dropping intermittently as you went. All was exceptionally white.

The fields were solid snow until I came upon this field with these very colourful sheep grazing on the freshly put down hay. They were right in the middle of the field but the brown tones of their coats looked amazing. I pulled over for a better look as their horns were huge, just magnificent and I had to blip them standing silhouetted against the snowy background. No horny dilema for me here then :)

They are Soay sheep I found out afterwards and classified as vulnerable on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust list. A survivor of the earliest established breeds but with only 900 to 1500 registered breeding ewes. Not easy to keep as they don't like herding so won't work with dogs as they will scoot in every direction possible. They are also very high jumpers apparently - hard to believe looking at them here I've got to say!! They naturally shed their fleece and the wool is highly sought after because of the colour which I can understand.