Our flock of Wiltshire horn sheep has increased tremendously this year. Eleven lambs were born in the octave of Easter, including a set of triplets. Mothers and babies are doing well. They were not affected by the Schmallenberg virus which has been causing birth defects in lambs in other parts of Hampshire. Two lambs had trouble with their feet and were walking on their knuckles, but the abbot put a splint on them and they are now fine.

The bees have come back to life. We have twenty-five colonies. First inspections showed them to be good and strong and healthy, but the weather changes often throw them into confusion at this time of year. The photographs of the sheep and bees were taken by Brother Michael, probably with a long -distance lens for the bees!