There were squeals of delight from onlookers as Farmer Clive Hibberd delivered 3 ewes and 7 lambs to Cooper’s Meadow in the centre of town today. The sheep will spend their summer holiday carrying out conservation grazing and will leave shortly before the Mop Fair comes to town in October.
Anna Forbes, from Action for the River Kennet, told Marlborough.news, “This conservation project started over a decade ago and it is increasing the biodiversity of the meadow. It has greatly improved the area and there are lots of butterflies. We are seeing a bigger range of grasses and flowering plants, including some native wild flower species. The sheep are particularly popular with children but all ages enjoy seeing them in town.”
Val Compton and son, Dominic, were also there to witness the sheep arrival. Dominic commented, “I come along every year. I wouldn’t miss the sheep arriving.” Val added, “It gives Marlborough yet another rural aspect.”
Dog walkers are reminded that dogs must be on the lead at all times in the area. There was a very unfortunate incident a few years ago when a dog off the lead savaged one of the ewes.
Ark has organised volunteer sheep lookers to check on the sheep but if you have any concerns phone one of the following numbers on the poster: Marlborough TC Grounds Manager 07715639827 (Out of hours 07593584095) Clive Hibberd 07437454728
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