Traditional Chilterns Lambing Fold
As springtime dawns at Chiltern Open Air Museum, a timeless tradition takes center stage – the lambing fold.
But what exactly is a lambing fold, and how has this age-old practice been faithfully reconstructed at our museum?
What is a Lambing Fold?
A lambing fold is a traditional shelter or pen specifically designed for the lambing season. This practice, rooted in agricultural history, involves creating a space where ewes can give birth and care for their new-born lambs. At Chiltern Open Air Museum, we proudly showcase this historical farming technique, allowing visitors to witness the magic of new life in our traditional lambing fold each spring.
How Was a Lambing Fold Used?
During the lambing season, farmers constructed shelter pens, or lambing folds, consisting of simple structures with wattle hurdles for walls and a thatched roof. These were strategically placed near grazing crops and hayricks for shelter and food. To prevent disease and optimize grazing, farmers regularly relocated the lambing fold to new locations.
About Our New Lambing Fold
In Spring 2023, our museum's lambing fold found a new home. Thanks to the generous support of the Farming in Protected Landscapes Programme, the reconstruction of our lambing fold has brought this historical practice to life for our visitors.
Lambing in the Fold
When ewes were close to lambing, farmers guided them into the yard and placed them in a secluded pen or 'coop.' This provided a safe and quiet space for bonding with the newborn lambs and offered protection against the elements. Lambing folds, along with sheep folding, faded out of use in the early 1900s.
Shepherd's Living Van
To ensure round-the-clock care during lambing, our mobile shepherd's living van is stationed near the lambing fold. This traditional shepherd's dwelling, originally from Little Kingshill in Buckinghamshire, dates back to around 1915. Complete with a straw mattress, stove for cooking, and iron wheels for mobility, this living van served as a home for farmers during the lambing season.
Today, our team continues to use the shepherd's living van for rest during this crucial time.