The exhausting reality of lambing season at Amanda Owen's remote Yorkshire farm

Amanda Owen and her nine children work around the clock during lambing season at Ravenseat, as Our Farm Next Door shows the challenges of Yorkshire Dales farming.

The exhausting reality of lambing season at Amanda Owen's remote Yorkshire farm

Life at Amanda Owen's famous Yorkshire Dales farm can look idyllic on television, but behind the spectacular scenery lies one of the most demanding jobs in British agriculture.

At Ravenseat Farm in Swaledale, lambing season brings long hours, sleepless nights and the constant responsibility of caring for newborn animals.

Now, the latest episode of the Channel 4 series offers another glimpse of what life is really like when hundreds of new arrivals need attention.

Why is lambing season so demanding?

Lambing is one of the busiest periods of the year for sheep farmers.

Ewes can give birth at any time of day or night, meaning farmers must carry out regular checks and be prepared to intervene when problems arise.

Newborn lambs are particularly vulnerable during their first hours of life, especially in cold or wet conditions.

Farmers need to ensure that lambs are breathing properly, receiving enough milk and remaining warm.

At remote hill farms such as Ravenseat, unpredictable weather can make the work even more difficult.

Amanda Owen's children help care for newborn lambs

The latest episode of Our Farm Next Door follows the entire Owen family as they work around the clock during lambing.

The programme shows the children helping their parents care for the new arrivals at Ravenseat.

In one particularly touching moment, Clementine, known as Clemmie, warms a lamb beside the fire.

The scene reflects the hands-on upbringing that made the family popular with viewers of Our Yorkshire Farm.

Nancy and pet lamb (Image: CHANNEL 4)

Amanda and her former husband Clive have encouraged their nine children to understand the realities of farming from an early age.

Rather than simply watching their parents work, the children have grown up helping with animals and learning practical skills.

The challenges of farming in Swaledale

Ravenseat is situated in one of the most remote parts of the Yorkshire Dales.

The farm's exposed location means that weather conditions can have a major impact on everyday work.

Heavy rain, cold temperatures and waterlogged fields can all create difficulties for farmers caring for sheep and newborn lambs.

In the October 26 episode, Clive and son Miles are shown working to deal with a waterlogged field.

The task highlights how farming involves much more than looking after livestock.

Maintaining land, managing drainage and responding to changing conditions are also essential parts of running a hill farm.

What happens after lambing season?

Once the busiest period of lambing is over, farmers can begin to focus on other seasonal work.

However, the responsibilities of looking after sheep and maintaining the farm continue throughout the year.

At Ravenseat, the Owen family must also balance their farming commitments with the restoration of Anty John's, a historic farmhouse nearby.

Read more

Why did Our Yorkshire Farm end? What happened to Amanda and Clive Owen's hit show
What happened to Amanda Owen's Ravenseat Farm and who lives there now?
Amanda and Clive Owen reunite for special family celebration after difficult weeks

The renovation has become the main focus of Our Farm Next Door, but the demands of everyday farming remain central to the programme.

In the latest episode, Amanda marks the end of a particularly challenging lambing season by travelling on horseback to the Tan Hill Inn.

She joins Clive and sons Miles and Sidney for a celebratory drink at the famous Yorkshire Dales pub.

A reminder of life behind the television cameras

For viewers, Our Yorkshire Farm and Our Farm Next Door have offered a rare insight into the realities of raising a family on a remote working farm.

The programmes capture the spectacular scenery and close family relationships, but also the physical demands and unpredictable challenges of agricultural life.

The latest lambing scenes provide another reminder that the Owen family's lifestyle is far from an extended countryside holiday.

Behind the familiar television images are long hours, hard work and a responsibility to care for animals in all conditions.