I farm: “60ha of hilly ground that rises to 1,000ft above sea level in Roundwood, Co Wicklow. I keep about 400 Wicklow Cheviots and 50 crossbred ewes. I also have access to commonage where I put the ewes after weaning.”

Cheviots: “As we are on upland and marginal land, the Cheviot breed is ideal. They’re hardy animals that can survive on the mountains and have great mothering ability which is equally as important.”

Lambs: “I sell some of my lambs as strong stores in the local marts and I fatten most of my Cheviot lambs. They’re inside in the shed on concentrates and I hope to finish them in January.”

This week: “I do not lamb until April so I’m putting the rams with the ewes this week. I’ve been busy dosing and dipping ewes to have them ready.”

Lime: “I’ve also been spreading lime. The ground conditions have been very good so it’s given me a chance to address fields that have a low pH. The dry ground is one positive on what has been a very challenging year.”

Uplands: “During the drought, we had no grass as ground completely burned up. We were lucky we could get the sheep to the mountain where they had heather to graze. The ewes have their own areas on the mountain and their lambs learn from them.”

Stewardship: “We have to acknowledge the role hill farmers play in managing the hill and keeping them in good environmental condition. There’s been a decline in the number of sheep going to the mountain and in young farmers.”

Quotable quote: “It takes time to build the traditions of hill farming and once they’re lost they won’t come back. It is a great way of life and we want to be able to pass it on to our children.”