A Sure Sign of Spring in the Staffordshire Countryside
There are many signs that spring has arrived in the countryside, but few are quite as heart-melting as the sight of newborn lambs bounding across green fields. Across the rolling farmland of Staffordshire, March is peak lambing season, when fields suddenly fill with wobbly legs, soft bleats and a surprising amount of energetic bouncing.
Why Spring Is Lambing Season
Most lambs you’ll see in local fields belong to domestic sheep, and they are usually born between late February and April. Timing is important. Farmers plan lambing so that the weather is beginning to improve and fresh spring grass is starting to grow, giving both ewes and lambs the best chance to thrive.
First Steps: How Lambs Begin Life
A newborn lamb weighs only a few kilograms, but it doesn’t stay still for long. Within minutes of being born, it’s usually attempting its first slightly unsteady stand. Within an hour or two, it will be nursing from its mother. The speed is impressive — and essential. In the wild, a lamb that can’t get up quickly would struggle to survive.
Playful Energy in the Spring Fields
Spring fields soon become lively nurseries. Lambs are famous for their playful behaviour, and if you watch for a while, you’ll likely see sudden bursts of “lamb zoomies” — spontaneous leaps, twists and races across the grass. Scientists believe this energetic play helps them strengthen muscles and practise coordination. It also looks suspiciously like they’re having enormous fun.
Ewes, meanwhile, are busy mothers. Most give birth to twins, although single lambs and even triplets are not uncommon. For the first few weeks, mothers keep a close eye on their young, recognising them by both smell and voice.
Enjoying Lambing Season on a Countryside Walk
If you’re enjoying countryside walks this spring, it’s always best to admire lambs from a respectful distance. Sheep are protective parents, and keeping dogs on leads helps avoid unnecessary stress during this busy time of year.
For photographers, though, lambing season offers a gift: soft spring light, green fields and some of the most joyful subjects the countryside can provide. Few things capture the spirit of a Staffordshire spring better than a field full of lively lambs discovering the world for the very first time.
Photos: Kirsty Joanne Photography
