About Sarah

For me sheep and sheepdogs have been a natural way of life, shepherding and conservation are inextricably bound.

The areas of outstanding natural beauty in this country from hill ground in the north to the downs of the south, all have a long history and tradition of grazing livestock.

I hope that my practical grasp of agricultural economics and the structure of rural life, has been hand-in-hand with my deeply held appreciation for the countryside and it's seasons.

Over the years, grazing land varied enormously, from traditional parkland to
extensive areas of very rough, poor quality grazing, much of it marshland or land designated as heathland reversion. Very good dogs were needed to manage much
of this ground, and indeed some of it could only be effectively shepherded on horseback. I acquired a Fell Pony, this breed having been developed on the Northumberland Fells as the shepherd's pony, and she was as much a part of the
job as the dogs.

These grazings were often off the beaten track, and wild and beautiful. They provide habitat for many animals, birds and plants, both common and rare, and this is a satisfying ingredient of the job.

I have always been interested in the countryside and wildlife, and relish the opportunity to play an active part in the regenerataion of Mayfields.

My vision for Mayfields is that it should encompass rural life and work, wildlife and landscape, and an infinitely varied and complex natural world full of human acitivities.

You can email Sarah at sarah@mayfieldsfarm.co.uk

Competition

Competing in trials polishes the handler and work dog, and I have competed at the highest level, having twice represented England at the International Trial, and qualified with two dogs for the World Trial 2002.

I have judged at many trials in England and Wales, and in 2005 was invited to judge a series of trials in the U.S.A.

I have been competing in sheepdog trials for as long as I have been shepherding sheep, and began teaching sheepdog handling to others for the Agricultural Training Board. On the demise of the ATB I continued to teach privately.

Teaching

Demand for instruction in sheepdog handling has grown to such a degree that I now teach for much of the time.

In the early days of handling sheepdogs, I realised that I needed to learn from top handlers and was fortunate enough
to work with some of the very best hill shepherds.

I enjoy teaching others to train their dogs, whether they are involved in agriculture or training a pet dog as a hobby. Successful sheepdog handling involves learning to read sheep, and improve understanding of livestock, and many handlers are gaining their first real contact with countryside. Handler ages range from very young to quite elderly, and
not a few have progressed to success on the trial field. I am fortunate in that sheep and sheepdogs provide my leisure interest as well as my livelihood. A trial is a relaxing day out with like minded friends as well as an opportunity to evaluate the dog's progress.

These dogs have been my teachers, friends and providers and to be able to pass on the knowledge I have gained is immeasurably rewarding. Pupils, through their relationship with sheep and sheep dogs, learn methods of communication that reveal the depth of understanding that is possible, and that there are other languages other than the spoken word.

Farming

For many years I have been involved in sheep production, shepherding a large commercial flock, and three smaller pedigree flocks, of Suffolk, Norfolk Horn and Southdown sheep.

Norfolk Horns and Southdowns are both rare breeds with a long association with East Anglia, and the 'parents' of the Suffolk sheep.

All three breeds were shown with considerable success, and I have been responsible for the day to day management of my own sheep and those of others, including contract work and lambing.