When we first decided to take the leap into smallholding life, our dream was simple: more time outdoors, homegrown food, and raising a small flock of sheep on our own bit of land. We weren’t after a full-blown farm—just a few acres, a few ewes, and a slower pace of life. Olly had grown up on a smallholding and loved his childhood - it was important to him to give those experiences to our children.
And in many ways, that’s exactly what we got. But along the way, we also picked up a few bruises (literal and figurative) and a much better understanding of what this lifestyle actually involves—especially when it includes livestock.
So here’s what we wish we’d known before we got started with sheep and smallholding life. If you’re just beginning your journey, maybe this will help you prepare—and reassure you that you’re not alone.
1. Start Smaller Than You Think You Should
We began with the idea of “just a few sheep.” Somehow (we got a bit carried away!), within a few months, that turned into 4 different breeds, lambing pens, feed storage issues, and trying to manage grazing we hadn’t fully planned out. We quickly realised: sheep multiply fast—and so do your responsibilities.
Tip: Learn with a small starter flock (3–5 ewes is plenty). Understand their needs before expanding.
2. Sheep Are Wonderful—But Not Effortless
They’re hardy, yes—but sheep still need regular health checks, foot trimming, worming plans, and constant monitoring (especially in lambing season). Oh, and they will try to escape when you least expect it. Or kill themselves.
Tip: Find a local vet who knows sheep, and don’t wait until there’s an emergency to call them. For us, in the Peak District, there are plenty of specialist farm vets but you may have to ask around if you don't live in a rural or agricultural area.
3. Fencing Matters More Than You Realise
We cannot overstate this. Good fencing is the difference between peace of mind and chasing sheep down the road at 6 a.m. And yes, we've done that. Our Jacob ram decided to leap a low fence, trot along the A515 into oncoming traffic and then have a wander around the neighbouring campsite before we caught him. Sheep are not as devious as goats, perhaps—but they’re persistent.
Tip: Invest in stock fencing that’s built to last. Electric fencing works well for dividing grazing areas too.
4. The Weather Rules Your Schedule
You’ll quickly learn that everything—from feeding routines to lambing plans to fencing repairs—depends on the weather. We live at the top of a hill in the Peak District so have learnt the hard way! Rain makes chores harder, frost delays planting, snow shuts down access and lambing in a cold snap is… let’s just say, character-building.
Tip: Build in flexibility. Having a backup plan (and decent waterproof clothes) is half the battle.
5. Your Family Life Will Change—and That’s Not a Bad Thing
One of the biggest shifts we didn’t fully anticipate was the impact on family life. Weekend lie-ins are rare. Spontaneous days out become tricky. You can’t just “pop away” when there are sheep to check, hay to shift, or lambs due.
But the flip side? We’ve gained something richer: our kids know where food comes from, understand responsibility and hard physical work, and have an outdoor life many only dream of. We’ve worked harder as a family, but also grown closer.
Tip: Talk honestly as a family about the commitment. Share the workload where you can—and remember to take breaks together.
6. Lambing Will Test You (and Then Melt Your Heart)
There’s nothing quite like lambing season. It’s a blur of late nights, early mornings, and checking every unusual noise. It’s both nerve-wracking and heartwarming. Seeing your first lambs born is unforgettable—but be prepared for the stress, mess, and decisions that come with it.
Tip: Take a lambing course before you start. We took an "Introduction to Lambing" day course at Broomfield College (Derby) just before our first lambing season and it made all the difference to our understanding and confidence. And don’t be afraid to call for help if something seems off.
7. It’s Not Always the Cheaper Way
We assumed raising our own sheep and growing veg would save money. In the long term, maybe. But initially, the costs added up fast—fencing, feed, vet bills, tools, infrastructure.
Tip: Budget for the first 1–2 years as “setup costs.” The return is measured more in lifestyle than in cash.
8. There’s No Such Thing as a Day Off—but You’ll Love the Rhythm
Animals don’t do bank holidays. Sheep need checking daily. But something surprising happens over time: the rhythm of smallholding becomes a kind of peace. Tasks blend into the flow of your day. It’s physical, yes—but also deeply satisfying.
Tip: Build in rest. Even half a day off makes a difference. And don’t be afraid to ask a neighbour or family member to check stock if you need a break.
9. You’ll Learn as You Go—And That’s Okay
You don’t need to know everything to get started. We’ve learned by doing, asking questions, making mistakes, and celebrating the wins (like every lamb that stands up on its own). The land teaches you—slowly and honestly.
Tip: Keep a notebook. What worked, what didn’t, what you’d change next year—it’ll be invaluable.
Smallholding with sheep has taught us more than we ever expected. It’s tested our patience, reshaped our routines, and deepened our appreciation for the natural world. It’s not always easy, but it’s real—and there’s joy in that.
If you’re thinking about starting, don’t let the unknown put you off. Just start where you are, learn as you go, and take it one season at a time. You don’t have to do it all at once.
And if you’re already on the journey—keep going. You’re not alone, and every small step forward is worth it.