Photo of the Week: Gator fascinates lambs at feeding time

This week’s photo of lambs and sheepdog “Fly” at feeding time was snapped by Ben Holmes.

Ben says the Gator always seems to fascinate the sheep – could it be the aptly named “BAA” number plate?

Overseeing proceedings is Fly, the four-year-old female sheepdog.

See also: Photo of the Week: Morning quad-bike yoga with Mr Chase

Ash the sheepdog oversees feeding time © Ben Holmes

Ben trained her from a puppy and says she is a formidable working dog and companion.

He says: “I’d be lost without her as she makes my job so much easier when it comes to gathering sheep in, or having to catch a single ewe out in the field that needs treatment – I know I can rely on her.

“She is one of the best-natured dogs I’ve ever come across and is frequently seen wandering off, seeking strokes and affection from anybody who crosses her path.

“I’m very lucky to have a dog like Fly. A good shepherd is only as good as their dog in my opinion.”

Ben lives and works on Rookery Farm in the Cotswolds. The farm is in Broadway, Worcestershire, situated nearly 304m above sea level.

Ben runs a 140-strong flock of breeding ewes, mostly Swaledales with a few pedigree Bluefaced Leicesters.

He says lambing this year has been a pleasure compared to recent years, due to the weather being so warm and dry.

As he lambs outside, the weather dictates lambing survival and growth.

He says: “It was nice to not run out of dry coats this lambing season!”

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