Microclimate matters: why lambing ewes seek shelter
How wind, temperature, and shelter shape ewe behaviour during lambing.
2/1/20231 min read
Cold, windy spring weather can be a serious challenge for sheep during lambing. In our study, published in Forests, we tracked lambing ewes on an upland Welsh farm to understand how local microclimate influences their behaviour.
Using GPS collars, weather data, and fine-scale wind modelling, we found that ewes consistently sought out both natural shelter (hedgerows and gorse) and artificial structures during periods of cold stress. Wind speed and wind-chill, not temperature alone, were the strongest drivers of shelter-seeking behaviour. When wind effects were modelled at the scale of the animal, clustering around sheltered areas became much clearer.
These findings provide strong evidence that trees and hedgerows play a real, measurable role in influencing ewe behaviour. By reducing wind-chill during critical periods like lambing, silvopastoral agroforestry can help farmers protect animals, reduce losses, and build more resilient farming systems-benefiting both productivity and the environment.
Read the full article here: Microclimate Drives Shelter-Seeking Behaviour in Lambing Ewes
