I WANT to highlight the plight of the Forest sheep during this long spell of severe weather.

I have lived in the Forest for the best part of 30 years. Sheep have occasionally found their way into the garden, but very rarely, and it has usually been because a gate was left open.

During the last two or three weeks I have been astonished to find sheep in the garden, not once, but on numerous occasions. Front garden, back garden – made no difference. They were just scrambling over the wall, apparently whenever they felt like it.

I was completely mystified by this change in their habits, all the more so when two near neighbours told me that they were having similar experiences with them. Until yesterday, when I suddenly realised what was going on.

The poor animals are on the edge of starvation and many of them are trying to feed lambs as well. The grass has all been eaten down and the new growth just isn't happening because it is too cold. The frantic search for food leads them even into places where they wouldn't normally go, like my garden, if they think it might provide a few mouthfuls.

(I understand that something rather similar occurred on the Malverns, a few years ago. The hills were at that time being significantly over-grazed and the ravenous sheep started invading local gardens, to the indignation of the owners).

It is not too hard to identify the problem. To find a workable solution is going to take a determined effort to put pressure on those who can actually do something about it. Until then, we shall continue to be surrounded by starving sheep and lambs in freezing conditions.

– Concerned.