Traditional Chilterns Sheep Folding

What is Sheep Folding?

In the idyllic landscapes of the Chilterns, farmers once employed a distinctive method known as sheep folding. This ingenious practice involved herding sheep into movable temporary pens called folds, and it was particularly effective on poor soils prevalent in the region.

Understanding the Sheep Folding Process

The process of sheep folding unfolded like a well-choreographed dance. Farmers cultivated forage crops like turnips, which thrived in the challenging soils. Sheep were then folded across to graze on these crops, contributing beneficial manure to the soil. Once the ground was enriched, it became suitable for growing quality grain crops like oats. This cyclical approach ensured sustainable farming practices.

Pre-Sheep Folding Era in Chiltern

Before the advent of sheep folding, farmers relied on leaving the land fallow for extended periods to rejuvenate the soil. With the introduction of the folding system, farmers could produce lamb, mutton, and wool while allowing the land to recover for future valuable crops.

Challenges Leading to the Decline

The sheep folding system, prevalent from the late 1700s to the early 1900s, came with its challenges. The labor-intensive nature of moving and pitching hundreds of hurdles daily became a significant obstacle. The decline of this system in the late 1900s was further influenced by changing consumer preferences for smaller meat cuts and the availability of inexpensive fertilizers. Consequently, the number of Oxford Down sheep, a prominent breed in the Chilterns, significantly decreased.

The Current Status of Oxford Down Sheep

Today, the Oxford Down sheep stands as a rare breed, with around 1600 breeding ewes across 110 flocks in Britain, including the cherished flock at COAM. These robust sheep, the second largest breed in Britain, exhibit distinctive features such as a long, broad snout, tufty forelock, and a thick fleece. Known for producing the heaviest fleece among Down breeds, the sheared fleeces of Oxford Down sheep weigh approximately 3.5 – 4.5kg, a remarkable feat akin to a cat's weight.

Embark on a journey through time at Chiltern Open Air Museum, where the echoes of sheep folding resonate in the captivating heritage of the Oxford Down sheep.

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