IF ewe go down to the wood today you’re sure of a big surprise - meeting more than 40 sheep who have been released to eat unwanted plants.
The Forestry Commission have let the flock of Shetland sheep loose in Wharncliffe Wood near Wortley to restore 31 acres of heathland.
Unwanted vegetation will be munched away by the animals to turn the scrubland into a key wildlife haven.
The project will double the size of the existing Wharncliffe Heath, home to locally scarce wildlife including nightjars, tree pippets and linnets.
Forester Albin Smith said: “Shetland sheep are ideal for this job. They are a very tough breed and can get by on pretty meagre rations.
“Like Yorkshire folk, they are independent and don’t take too much looking after
. “It would take an army of foresters to do the same job, combating tree and weed growth and trampling bracken.
“By doing what comes naturally, they’ll create just the right kind of habitat for birds and butterflies to spread their wings.”
