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How The Free Roaming Sheep Huts Began

By George Cook


The farming practices we have today vary so much from those that were used in the past. There were times when labor was cheap and easily available. Farmers did not use the chemical fertilizers that are now commonly used. In those times, only manure was utilized in the increase of the production of soil. Using this method, however, proved to be very challenging. It was complicated to transport the manure that was needed to the fields from the farmyards. Therefore, farmers decided to make use of the lambs to ease this work. From this, making use of free roaming sheep huts was then born.

Fertilizing of the uplands needed a different breed of rams from those that were used in fertilizing the downlands. The downland sheep were used in the fields that contained chalky soil. These animals could not just wander at will. Therefore, they were assembled in hurdles for easy management.

When the grassland was grazed, then these animals would be moved to a new pasture. By this time these rams would have left manure behind. The manure would then be plowed in. The land would then be ready for a crop of oats, barley, and wheat. These organic fertilizers made it possible for these crops to be grown on the light soils.

During those time the farm owners needed to have a flock of sheep. The rams also needed to be hardworking. Therefore, the shepherd was valued at that time. The downland farms were in most cases located in the valleys. This made them be really far from the fields. For this reason, shepherd needed to have a shelter to store their belongings and their gear.

This task was not an easy one. It was a lot of physical work where the lambs needed to be moved every day. This meant that the shepherd would need a place to eat and sleep. This was most important when the season of lambing was on. This hut was made and was called the shepherd or the sheep shelter.

This house would have all the necessary rooms for the survival of the shepherd. There were a kitchen and even a bathroom. It has different designs for building it. What was vital at the time was that the shepherd got the accommodation that was practical and durable. There was a cooker in a corner of the older versions. This stove would be used to give warmth and also to cook food. Each side had a window that would help the shepherd in monitoring the rams.

There was also a steady and hinged door. The position of this door was such that it was found from the prevailing winds. This was necessary so that the shepherd could listen to the flock easily. The house also contained axles that were strong. There were wheels of cast iron on each axle. This helped the shepherd to move.

It is a fact that these shelters were long lasting. It can be proven from those numerous shelters that still exist today. Most of them are used to store some grains. When you look alongside most fields, you can find them parked there. Some have even be neglected. Most farmers have contracted the shelters to the agricultural museums. They are now just proof of the past times.




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