RAF Lyneham plays cupid for flock of sheep on Jersey (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

RAF Lyneham plays cupid for flock of sheep on Jersey

10:40am Saturday 27th June 2009

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HERCULES crews are used to carrying out unusual mercy missions. But an aircraft from Lyneham has helped to ensure the survival of a flock of sheep on Jersey.

A pair of four-horned rams from the Isle of Man were crated up and airlifted to the island as part of a project to restore grassland its northern coastline.

Station Commander Group Capt Mike Neville said: " The Hercules frequently flies in this area as Jersey provides our crews with a great training platform and when we were asked whether we could assist with the move, I was only too pleased to say yes."

Jersey was once known for its multi-horned sheep, which produced wool for stockings. The scheme pioneered by the National Trust for Jersey involves using them to clear agricultural and heath land that was overtaken by scrub as grazing by cattle, sheep and ponies died out.

Jon Horn, land manager of the trust said a flock of 20 was imported back in January and was doing well.

He explained: "We needed a couple of Rams to ensure that the flock becomes sustainable. We decided that we would like to get them from the Isle of Man since that’s the original home for this breed.

" The two islands’ prime ministers put us in touch with the Manx National Heritage who kindly agreed to supply us with two of their four-horned rams which were transported to the island by the RAF."

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