Is the grass really greener? A hands‑on day learning sheep keeping

DOVER FARM FIELD GUIDE

Is the grass really greener? A hands‑on day learning sheep keeping

A one‑day, six‑hour course at Frampton Organic Farm that teaches practical sheep care, health checks, legislation, handling and feeding.

Is the grass really greener? A hands‑on day learning sheep keeping.

Duration
6 hours
Location
Dover
Operator
Frampton Organic Farm Ltd
Category
Farm
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

This one‑day course is an introduction to sheep keeping delivered through a mix of discussion and hands‑on practical learning. Expect close contact with the flock, demonstrations of routine health checks and step‑by‑step guidance on record keeping and animal movements.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE PRACTICE

Hands‑on handling and health checks

Direct, practical time with sheep—rounding up, pen work and supervised handling—so participants leave with tangible handling skills and confidence in routine health checks.

THE RULES

Legislation, movements and record keeping

The course covers the legal framework around registration and animal movements and explains the record‑keeping practices every keeper must follow.

THE FEED

Feeding and nutrition essentials

The afternoon session introduces feeding principles so learners understand basic nutrition and how it ties into everyday flock health and management.

What the day feels like

What the day feels like

The day blends short, focused discussions with live demonstrations and extended practical sessions. You move from a safety and legislative briefing into the yard to meet the flock, set up pens and learn moving and handling techniques. After a lunch break the hands‑on work continues before finishing with feeding guidance and an open Q&A with the farmers.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this course suits — and what to check before you book.

1
Aspiring smallholdersA solid introductory session for people planning to keep a small flock who want practical handling and basic regulatory knowledge. Confirm any age or health restrictions with the operator before booking.
2
New farmersIdeal for newcomers seeking hands‑on routines—health checks, movement procedures and feeding basics. Check with the operator about any participant limits or health requirements.
3
Hobbyists and animal‑care volunteersA good match for hobby keepers and volunteers who want practical skills and an understanding of record keeping and legislation. Verify suitability for under‑18s or those with physical constraints with the operator.
4
Agricultural students and educatorsUseful as a compact, practical primer to supplement classroom learning; confirm group size and any specific requirements with the operator.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

The course is a single, six‑hour day with a morning and an afternoon session and a scheduled lunch break.

What to Bring

Check the operator's guidance for what to bring; the day includes practical, hands‑on sessions in the yard.

Logistics & Schedule

The day begins at 9am with a welcome and proceeds through scheduled briefings, practical sessions and a final Q&A at 2.45pm.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the course?

The course runs for six hours in total.

What time does the day start?

The day starts at 9am with a welcome and refreshments.

What topics are covered?

The course covers legislation (registration, movements and record keeping), routine animal health checks and preventative treatments, foot care, parasite control and vaccination, handling and moving sheep, and an introduction to feeding.

Will I get practical experience with the sheep?

Yes. The course combines demonstrations with supervised, hands‑on handling and health‑check practice with the flock.

Is there time for questions?

Yes. The day finishes with a Q&A session at 2.45pm where the farmers answer participants' questions.

Is feeding and nutrition covered?

An introduction to feeding and nutrition is included in the afternoon session.