Fern was born here in May 2012 she was one of the first Soay cross first lambs born here. She was such an tiny pretty lamb almost all white but for some markings on her head and 3 distinct spots on her side. Despite her small size Fern has been a prolific mother over the years she has had many lambs mostly daughters and most of whom were not planned. Her last 3 pregnancies each resulted in twin girls – how amazing is that. Her first twin girls Smudge and Phlox pictured here were the results of ram Pancake escaping one night. Both Smudge and Phlox stayed here in the flock with their mum. In 2018 she had more twin girls called Fawn and Bramble they were actually planned and fathered by Fudge and they both now live in Staffordshire as much loved pets. Then in 2019 Fern had another set of twin girls – Lupin and Mint. Once again these 2 were the result of a ram escaping overnight – this time it was Sven. Fern gave birth to Mint and Lupin one mild night at around midnight in a ditch of all places. It was quite a magical moment sitting in the ditch watching her with her 3rd set of twin girls. She also has a granddaughter in the flock now called Pepsi. I’d like to think Fern herself is now retired from breeding but knowing Fern if a ram escapes she will probably have other ideas so you never know. Most people would regard Fern’s fleece as rubbish. It is full of a lot of kemp hairs and not particularly exciting to look at. However, I find it lovely to work with. It lends itself very well to weaving sturdy rugs and needle felting core wool. The wool fibers are actually very fine and soft but the kemp hairs make it very durable and give it an interesting texture. In 2018 I wove a lovely large peg loom rug using 2 of Fern’s fleeces. This found its way to a very lucky couple’s bedroom as a bedside rug and helped to buy in feed for all the sheep that winter.
