About Us
I’m Lou, a first generation, new entrant sheep farmer based on the Cambridgeshire - Hertfordshire - Essex border.
In 2015 I set up a contracting business L G Osman Shepherding, through which I had the opportunity to work on a variety of different farming systems across the UK as I travelled around the country lambing and shearing.
After talking about it for far too long, I branched out and bought some of my own sheep in 2021, 50 Welsh Mountain ewes that I kept on a polo yard.
As the business grew, I ran a ‘flying flock’ all over Cambs, Herts and Essex. While this was fun, it was exhausting. In October 2023 I was lucky enough to take on Lynchets Farm in Great Chishill.
While not having a background in farming I have always had a fascination with farming particularly sheep (my Britains toy farm was a sight to behold). Without many contacts in the UK I moved to Australia to get some hands on experience with sheep and cattle before starting my Masters in Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare, specialising in livestock welfare and handling. With this I had the chance to study in Canada; where I decided I wanted to leave academia and become a farmer!
Small sheep, keep them moving
I run Welsh Mountain ewes, these are small, very hardy sheep who are incredible mothers and produce very flavoursome lamb. The system works because these crazy little things don’t eat as much as lowland breeds and will find food anywhere.
There is nothing new about the way I do things, in fact its a very old method of managing livestock, with a focus on sustainability, environmental benefits and high animal welfare.
For most of the year the sheep are rotated around grass, clover and herbal leys, allowing for regrowth and a reduction in worm burden, meaning we can use no fertiliser and limited worming chemicals.
Over the winter months I work with local arable farmers where the sheep fertilise the land while grazing cover crops that allow for soil coverage, preventing erosion and put some goodness back into the ground in the form of organic matter.
With this method the sheep can stay out all year and we have no need to introduce hard concentrate feeds.
We are Fuelled by Forage.
How It Looks Now
Up at Lynchets I have drilled 120 acres of herbal leys rich in clover for the sheep, currently there are about 350 breeding ewes on site. While I no longer run a true flying flock, I still have some areas off site.
While sheep have always been my main business, I’ve always had a great love of cattle. In April 2025 I bought my first two Belted Galloways, Caz and Sian. Currently I have two rare breed pedigree herds, Traditional Herefords and Belted Galloways. The focus is to produce high quality breeding females to either retain in the herd or to sell on to other breeders and to produce beautiful flavoursome meat from the slow growing native breeds. Look out for the Clover Leys Box soon.
As I obviously don’t have enough to do, there are also chickens on site now. I have a small flock of hybrids that produce the majority of the eggs for the stand out the back gate. But as I love my rare breeds there are also breeding groups of Buff Sussex, Ixworth and Dark Dorking all will have hatching eggs and POL pullets available in the future.
Clover Leys Lamb
Clover Leys was born from the idea of providing people with high quality, sustainable, locally produced meat.
Having the personal link to the end user and completing the farm to fork story makes the hard work worth it.
The Clover Leys Stall
By the bottom gate into Lynchets Farm there is egg stand, selling chicken and quail eggs along with home grown veg when available.
As and when other things come available they may well find a place here too.
Shepherds Hut
I have opened up a self catered shepherds hut available through airbnb. Situated in a private garden at the top of the farm with views over to Cambridge and Ely.
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Lou
The Shepherd
I run the flock, doing everything from the day to day management of the sheep to organising the meat boxes and delivering them to your door.
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Spot
The Right Hand
We would not have been able to manage the sheep without Spot. Pretty much retired now but still gets the odd day when he wants. Rarely puts a foot wrong at work and everyones best friend. Not as quick as he used to be but one hell of a dog.
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Nell
The Fruit Loop
I always said life would be boring without Nell and I was right. unfortunately I lost Nell in winter 2024. Moved large mobs of sheep at lightning speed and did not suffer fools. Top dog at home and my best friend.
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Stella
The New Girl
Still settling in at home but a really loving dog, gives it her all and very talented. I’m looking forward to many years working with her.
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Skeet
The Spanner
Never stops moving and I doubt he will ever grow up. Great fun to have around and brilliant company in the landy. suppose to be a gun dog but more of a pet.