As the week starts there is chaos all around and I find myself thinking about sheep grazing on the South Downs. In searching for inspiration for this blog, it occurred to me that there is nothing like sitting in a natural landscape and animals quietly moving around as you enjoy the sunshine. So bear with me for this blog as we travel to England!

Sheep Grazing on the South Downs

What Are The South Downs?

The South Downs stretch for 260 square miles (673 square kilometres) across the South East of England and are easily reached from Brighton where I was raised. We used to go on a Sunday drive when we were kids. We would all pile into the back of the car and my Dad would take us for a drive in the countryside, usually through the Sussex Downs at some point. I remember loving seeing all the animals in the fields, bearing in mind that we lived in a town.

The  South Downs are one of the most important chalk landscapes in Britain. The grazing of sheep on the thin, well-drained chalk soils of the Downs over many centuries has produced short, springy turf, known as old chalk grassland, that is typical of the South Downs today. As you can see from this image ‘South Downs View’ it is beautiful countryside that is largely unspoilt.

The South Downs Way

The South Downs Way is a long distance footpath and bridleway which runs for 100 miles (160 kilometres) from Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne in East Sussex.  I remember one of my old school friends rode the South Downs Way over several days with regular stops at hotels (with stabling of course) where their luggage would be delivered for them by car each night.  Yet other friends, or as some refer to them, nutters, have actually walked the South Downs Way. Of course, sheep grazing are a regular part of the landscape.

What Do Sheep Talk About At The Water Trough?

I mean, seriously. In the workplace the water dispenser or kitchen area are the main gathering places for people. They provide an opportunity to catch up on the gossip. Perhaps what was on the television the night before, what he said or she said, how the ball game went. What about sheep? I wonder what they talk about when they meet up at the water trough? The three in this picture ‘Gossip at Break Time’ look to me like they are putting the world to rights.

A Poem About Grazing Sheep

The English poet Pam Ayres wrote a short poem about grazing sheep that fits with my idea of how calming it is to watch.

“How nice to be a grazing sheep,

To nibble grass, or fall asleep,

Full leisurely to lie at peace,

With all my hooves tucked in my fleece.”

See now that was relaxing wasn’t it?

Before you go

My name is Dorothy Berry-Lound an artist and writer. You can find out more about my art and writing at https://dorothyberryloundart.com.

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Thank you for reading!