Rewild - Restore
In 2015, having been generously donated the sole use of 12 acres of undisturbed, ancient woodland (dating back pre 1600's) that adjoins the existing site, Chancepixies has taken the opportunity to support our environment and explore native British breeds, wildlife and the concept of 'rewilding' - basically allowing nature to lead the way to be able to sustain and balance.
The levels of animals on the land are kept low enabling the site to be self supporting, in 2023 no hay was needed to sustain the animals over winter
Soay Sheep
A small flock of Soay Sheep (currently 22), a primitive native breed of sheep, that are listed as 'at risk' on the rare breeds list of Native British Breeds, have been sourced in order to naturally manage the Chancepixies site that slopes steeply in places and is difficult to manage and keep in use with modern machinery.
Dales Ponies
In addition, two Dales mares were purchased in 2015. These are a sure footed, strong, attractive and hardy breed, who despite their many attributes have found themselves on the 'critical list' and are reported to have less numbers worldwide than the Giant Panda . These two girls - Maya and Flicka - have now been trained under saddle and more importantly harness, with a view to introduce them to 'horse logging' - using horse power in order to regenerate the woodland and their environment.
Their natural actions of forging paths through the woodlands and scrub, in addition to their grazing habits helps keep our challenging terrain in balance. As the ponies clear a path, the sheep are able to get in after them and create their own impact.
And a Brian...
Ok, so not a native breed, but Heidi followed this boy home up the driveway one day. Not sure where he had come from, she a few phone calls to local farmers, and his owner was contacted and duly came to retrieve him. Feeling the weight of him as he was getting lifted into the truck, said owner stated that he must be about ready!
Being a vegan since 2017, this played on Heidi's mind, this sheep obviously did not want to end up chopped up in someone's freezer hence why he had come to find us, so a few days later she called the sheep's owner up and bought him!
He now runs free with our Soays without fear of being someone's dinner and has been called Brian.
Unlike the Soays who shed their wool naturally, Brian does need shearing, so clippers have since been purchased and it is an ordeal both Brian and ourselves go through every year...here he is waiting for his hair cut.
