New Kids In The Flock

Yesterday we went on one of our favourite walks climbing up from Glasshouses Mill to walk the ridge high above Nidderdale with fantastic views across the dale to Brimham Rocks and on to Gouthwaite and Little Whernside beyond. As we climbed up the hill we were entertained by a gathering of 15 lambs all frolicking around. We leaned over the wall and watched for a good half an hour as they played a series of amusing games, chasing, leaping, bouncing, racing, climbing, rough and tumble whilst their patient mothers stood and raised their eye brows and tutted at their errant offspring's behaviour. Watching the lambs it was easy to see their individual characters in the roles that they played. The confidant, the brave , the clown, the bully, the easily lead and the shy and after their mad half hour they all returned to their mums to suckle and become once again the babies. So much fun and so much inspiration for more sheepy paintings.