November 7th 2024.
In the small village of Horton, located in Dorset, there is a church called St. Wolfrida's that has been facing a problem. The churchyard, which is home to World War One graves, has become overgrown with weeds and the congregation cannot afford to hire a gardener to maintain it. However, thanks to the creative thinking of church warden Phillip Bailey, the church has found a unique solution to this problem - a flock of sheep.
Bailey approached the parish secretary, Ruth Marshall, who had previous experience as a shepherdess, for help. She was able to source some sheep from a farming friend and after seeing the great job they did in clearing out the overgrown graveyard, the church decided to purchase the sheep. These were not just any sheep, but a rare breed called North Ronaldsay that are able to thrive in harsh and cold environments.
The church has now formed a "flockwatch" WhatsApp group to keep an eye on the sheep, with verger Jackie Lydford checking on them every morning and night. The sheep are able to stay in the churchyard year-round, without the need for a shelter, due to their ability to adapt to their surroundings. They are also given a balanced diet by Lydford to ensure their health.
Bailey believes that the presence of the sheep is fitting for a rural church like St. Wolfrida's, as it brings them closer to the natural world. Marshall adds that the sheep are not a new addition to the churchyard, as historically there have been sheep there in the past. However, they have not been present for the past 20 years, making this more of a reintroduction rather than an introduction.
Not only have the sheep been a practical solution for maintaining the churchyard, but they have also brought the community together. People often visit the churchyard to see the sheep and check on them, and it has become a popular spot for walks. This has also brought attention to the church, which is currently raising funds to repair the building after it was infested by deathwatch beetles.
The church, which dates back to the 1300s, has a rich history and is believed to have been designed by the famous architect Sir John Vanbrugh. Bringing back the sheep to the churchyard is a way of preserving this history and tradition. The congregation hopes that with the money saved from not having to hire a gardener, they can restore and maintain the church for many years to come.
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