A NEW shepherding course has been launched by the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) backed by money from the Sustainable Development Fund.

Under a new initiative organised by the St.Briavels, Brockweir and Hewelsfield Parish Grasslands Project, 25 local people were able to learn new shepherding skills on the two-day course.

The event, which took place at the Gwent Wildlife Trust Reserve at Pentwyn Farm Reserve, was facilitated by Tim Green, the Trust's farm and wildlife development officer.

All the basic requirements of sheep keeping, from pasture management to legal requirements,were covered during the training. Local vet Hilary Jones was on hand to health check the flock of Hebridean and Radnorshire sheep that are managed for conservation grazing on the reserve. With Hilary's guidance the group undertook a hands on workshop learning to 'turn, dag and clip feet.'

Deborah Flint from Cinderhill Farm, St. Briavels was able to put her new skills immediately into action.

"I was able to diagnose a painful foot affliction on my lamb after the training. I know for a fact that without today's course the lamb would have suffered for some time," she said.

Vet Hilary Jones was delighted that Deborah was able to identify the condition Contagious Ovine Digital Dermatitis (CODD). "It is great when someone benefits so quickly from training," she said.

The group plan to hold two more courses early next year, one to focus on lambing and the other on conservation grazing.

The training was made possible through a grant from the Wye Valley AONB Sustainable Development fund. For further details on the grant please contact the Community Links officer 01600 710844 or email [email protected]">[email protected]

You can also access information on the grants section of the website http://www.wyevalleyaonb.org.uk">www.wyevalleyaonb.org.uk