I’ve driven past the village of Slindon several times in the last week or two and seen signs for Open Lambing at Gaston Farm. It struck me that the arrival of newly born lambs would fit today’s Tuesday Inspiration theme very well so I popped along there this morning with my camera. I had assumed it would be quiet as the schools haven’t yet broken up but how wrong I was – the farm was thronging with children on school visits and Mums with toddlers. I started off in the shed where the Mums and recently born lambs were resting up. I was offered a cuddle with one of the lambs (who was born about three days ago) and, of course, I couldn’t resist. He was so gentle, snuggling happily in my arms and I discovered he liked having his chin tickled!

After photographing some of the younger lambs I moved on to the lambing shed and arrived just as one baby had been born. The farmer and his wife were now doing their best to help the ewe give birth to her second lamb, although at almost twice the size of the first they were struggling to help him out. With the aid of some ropes on his feet he eventually popped out and we all cheered. However, the elation was rapidly followed by a deathly hush as the farmer tried to get him breathing, first by spinning him around by his legs then a little mouth to mouth resuscitation. After a minute or so the lamb’s sides began moving and we all heaved a huge sigh of relief. After everyone left to go and see the next lambing I stayed on to take some more photos and he eventually found the strength to lift his head and even bleat at his Mum. Let’s hope he doesn’t suffer any ill effects from his traumatic birth and goes on to have a happy, healthy life.

For anone who’s local it’s well worth visiting Gaston Farm’s Open Lambing and they’re open every day until the 25th April. For everyone else you can still catch the action via their webcam here!

Thanks to Ej for setting today’s theme. Last Tuesday’s theme was ‘natural beauty’. The other interpretations of this week’s theme can be found here.

The “Tuesday Inspiration” began in 2009 when Stéfan and I started setting each other a photographic challenge on a… Tuesday. Very soon afterwards, we decided to open this up to other PB members, followed by the idea that we should not reveal what the subject is, so that other members could compare how different members view a single theme. The Tuesday Inspiration is not a contest or a challenge, but a group of people all agreeing to post their interpretation of a single theme on Tuesdays. Each week, one of the contributors sets the theme. There are now over 40 members contributing to the TI. We have only two “rules”: don’t include the subject in the TI title or tags and please comply with standard PB guidelines on courtesy, etc. If you would like to take part, please send me a message via this blog.

Struggling for life... Beautiful lambs and reportage. I've never eaten them. If only I think of their slaughter before easter... Hope those ones will live longer. ????? · 2012-03-27: 11:56

What a totally cool and beautiful set, Helen. This is all so wonderfully captured. I was holding my breath as you described the troublesome delivery!!!! Life -eh? My favorite of the set is #8. What a cutie!! danrav · 2012-03-27: 11:58

Superbe et émouvant ce set !! magnifique ! maudlaurens · 2012-03-27: 12:06

I am so glad the big little lamb made it... it must have been amazing to see the whole thing unfold in front of you... aren't they all just gorgeous! Annbramwell · 2012-03-27: 12:26

Oh my gosh adorable!! jennyLit · 2012-03-27: 12:36

Precious! I added last one into my favorites. Thanks a lot for sharing and keep creating! davidcardona · 2012-03-27: 13:03

Wow! This is a lovely, precious and hope-filled post, Helen! Beautiful images of these brave mothers and their new-born children ;))) What a wonderful experience for you....and thanks for sharing!! lookagain · 2012-03-27: 13:48

what a superb set! Love it! Riyaz · 2012-03-27: 13:50

Cool set.. mrmeliska · 2012-03-27: 14:16

Fantastic set, Helen! Eiram · 2012-03-27: 14:39

Precious little lambs, Helen! Great reportage and captures! lgnelson · 2012-03-27: 15:26

super! great pictures. congrats! gonia · 2012-03-27: 16:20

These are a wonderful collection of images....just right for this particular TI. LAZYWASP · 2012-03-27: 16:29

So cute... pandka · 2012-03-27: 16:30

Awwwww. These are just so sweet Helen. liveandletlive · 2012-03-27: 19:26

Superb miracles...Tenderness, sweetness, pride of the moms ! The birth is always a big moment. I like your set Helen josy63 · 2012-03-28: 04:54

You chronicled this wonderful story so well in your photos! There is nothing like new life on a farm - the birth of little creatures in the spring always makes me feel hopeful! Thank you for this precious post! djnana · 2012-03-28: 08:47

AMAZING set.....2 and 5 are both in my faves now...Really amazing....so sweet..thanks so much for sharing these :-) mazpics · 2012-03-29: 04:12

They are adorable. Such stylish earrings too. Brilliant photos Helen, so sharp and clear. Jarvo · 2012-03-29: 15:54

Those baby lambs are so sweet! I love this post! lukesmom · 2012-03-29: 21:03

Fantastic set,bravo! Goldbrandi · 2012-04-01: 14:45

Miracles of nature and life, you captured a fantastic part of life at its most beautiful moment. Ryana · 2012-04-03: 13:09

That little one in #5 is just so cute. Oweena · 2012-05-05: 22:30

Tagged: lamb sheep farm slindon gastonfarm birth lambing ti120327