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Unveiling the Mystique of Boreray Sheep in Orkney: The Lost Flock Excerpt

Jane Cooper’s captivating tale, "The Lost Flock," offers a mesmerizing glimpse into the world of the Boreray sheep in Orkney. The narrative transcends curiosity, leaving readers spellbound by the inexplicable allure of this place. In this excerpt, we embark on a journey to understand how Cooper’s connection to Orkney led to her endearing relationship with these remarkable sheep.

Expanding the Flock: Meet Bollocks and Bede

November 2013 marked a pivotal moment in Cooper’s venture into Boreray sheep keeping. A ram lamb, hailing from the Highlands, joined her flock, accompanied by two spirited "wedders." Cooper’s adult children, with a penchant for humor, christened the new ram lamb "Bollocks." While the name may raise eyebrows, it proved to be a fitting moniker for this headstrong addition.

Autumn 2014 brought more excitement as the first female Borerays entered the scene. Originating from small Highland flocks linked to Bob and Ann, they introduced two ewes, two gimmers, a seasoned ewe named Millie, seven ewe lambs, and a young ram named "Bede." Bede’s name was Cooper’s tongue-in-cheek response to her children’s unconventional naming choice for Bollocks.

The Lambing Challenge: When Nature Doesn’t Follow the Booklet

After tupping comes lambing, and Cooper, equipped with a lambing workshop and a helpful booklet, anticipated a smooth process. However, her Boreray sheep had a story of their own. May arrived with Beryl’s due date, which came and went without any action.

Then, on a stormy evening, Hilary’s behavior signaled the onset of labor. With the weather deteriorating, Cooper faced a dilemma – how to monitor Hilary without causing undue distress.

> "If Hilary had the lamb during the night, it would be fine if it suckled well within the first six hours."

The anxious night arrived, with Cooper checking on Hilary around 1 a.m. In the darkness, she spotted a heartwarming sight – a tiny lamb standing defiantly next to Hilary, braving the relentless storm. The image remains etched in Cooper’s memory, a testament to the resilience of these Boreray sheep.

Jane Cooper’s narrative, "The Lost Flock," provides a glimpse into the enchanting world of the Boreray sheep of Orkney. Her deep connection with this place and the sheep is beautifully portrayed in this excerpt. The peculiar names, the unexpected challenges of lambing, and the unwavering determination of these sheep leave an indelible mark on the reader’s imagination.

So, if you ever find yourself captivated by the allure of Orkney and its Boreray sheep, remember that sometimes, nature has its own story to tell, one that might not follow the guidance of a well-prepared booklet.

Contents

Connecting with the Lost Flock’s Legacy

What is the Orkney Boreray flock?

The Orkney Boreray flock, established by Jane Cooper in 2017, plays a vital role in safeguarding the endangered Orkney Boreray sheep population on the Orkney Isles. Our primary mission is to initiate a comprehensive breeding program aimed at bolstering the numbers of this rare breed.

What is the origin of the Orkney Boreray sheep?

The Orkney Boreray sheep trace their ancestry back to the early days when neolithic farmers introduced a North Atlantic short-tailed breed into Europe. These sheep, highly valued by the Vikings, showcased a double-coated fleece that was naturally water-resistant, making it an ideal choice for clothing and sail material for their longships.

What is the lost flock?

What is the ‘Lost Flock’?

The ‘Lost Flock’ represents our unwavering commitment to the preservation of the endangered Orkney Boreray sheep on the Orkney Isles. Our primary objective is to safeguard and bolster their population through the establishment of a new breeding program. This initiative underscores the vital role our community plays in ensuring the thriving future of the Orkney Boreray sheep in their natural landscape.

Is the baffling mystery of the flock of sheep solved?

Could the enigmatic puzzle of a flock of sheep continuously ambling in a circular path for twelve days find its resolution? The viral video from northern China depicted these sheep caught in a clockwise circle, captivating viewers’ attention last week.

What is ‘The Lost Flock’ and its Connection to Boreray Sheep in Orkney?

‘The Lost Flock’ unfolds as the compelling narrative of the extraordinary Orkney Boreray sheep, recognized for their distinctive horns. It chronicles the journey of a wool enthusiast, Jane Cooper, who relocated to one of Scotland’s most rugged islands with a mission to rescue these rare sheep. Cooper’s voyage into the world of rare-breed sheep and their coveted wool was kindled by her fervor for knitting.

How Did Jane Cooper’s Adventure with Boreray Sheep in Orkney Begin?

The journey of Jane Cooper and her Boreray sheep commenced in 2013 when she and her husband, Paul, made the move to Orkney. In 2017, a pivotal moment unfolded when Jane realized that she had become the guardian of the last surviving members of the elusive ‘Lost Flock’ of Boreray sheep.

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