Blenheim Estate Offering ‘Dream’ Role for Shepherd
The Blenheim Estate is looking to recruit a shepherd to help care for its 1,000-strong flock of sheep, as well as its collection of rare breed British white cattle
The successful candidate will live and work on the 12,000-acre estate in the heart of Oxfordshire with its mix of farmland, ancient woodland, landscaped parkland, lakes and formal gardens.
Reporting directly to the Oxfordshire estate’s farm manager, the role includes day to day management of the flock, ensuring the welfare and safety of all livestock alongside the mentoring of an apprentice.
In addition to the shepherding duties, the applicant will also be expected to support other members of team including forestry, and game as needed and there will be lots of opportunity to be innovative and contribute their own ideas to the estate’s wider land strategy.
The new lead stockperson will work alongside Farm Manager and shepherd Charles Gerring, who has been looking after the estate for more than 28 years.
“Blenheim is renowned as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest,” said Charles.
“Its ancient woodlands are home to some of the oldest oak trees in Europe and it supports a huge variety of native wildlife.
“The entire estate team is also committed to not only conserving and protecting what is already here, but also looking at innovative ways to further improve the quality and the diversity of the land for the benefit of generations to come.
“In many ways this really is a dream role as it offers the successful candidate an opportunity to make a difference; working as part of a dedicated group of people to nurture and develop the estate’s unique natural capital,” he added.
In addition to the sheep, the role will also include overseeing the care and calving of the estate’s resident herd of British white cattle, which roam freely within the ancient oak woodlands, trampling down bracken and undergrowth to clear spaces for acorns to germinate and grow.
The reintroduction of the cattle is just part of the Blenheim Estate’s wider Land Strategy plan which looks at innovative ways to protect, utilise and open up access to the 12,000-acre estate over the coming decades.
All applicants will need to have substantial experience and their own sheepdogs. The successful candidate will also be able to live on the estate in a three-bedroom cottage.
Closing date for applications is 30th July 2021.
Please contact Rachel Leach | RLeach@blenheimestate.com
From this author
Blenheim Palace announces annual Jousting Tournament dates
This spring, step back in time at Blenheim Palace as the UNESCO World Heritage Site transforms into an action-packed battlefield for its annual Jousting Tournament.
Blenheim Palace launches fashion afternoon tea and retail collection for Icons of...
To celebrate its largest exhibition to date, Icons of British Fashion, Blenheim Palace has launched a fashionista themed afternoon tea and enhanced its retail offering with a range of special edition gifts and merchandise.
British Living Legends art exhibition to feature in Blenheim Palace
Blenheim Palace has announced the launch of a new art exhibition at the Stables Café that will be on display from Friday 15th March to Monday 3rd June. Visitors to the UNESCO World Heritage Site can marvel at a remarkable series of ‘British Living Legends’ by artist Laura Smith.