Dogs Worrying Sheep on Telscombe Tye

Even if your dog isn't actually chasing the sheep, sheep still see it as a predator and will run away if it comes close - putting them under stress.

• If a sheep is stressed by being chased or feeling under threat - it can abort the unborn lambs.


• A sheep that is ready to give birth and is disturbed by a dog, may miscarry, abort or have premature lambs.


• A sheep may well die of stress after it's been chased or run away from a dog.


• Stressed animals are more susceptible to disease and if they have lambs the growth and quality of of the lambs may be affected.


• New lambs separated from their mother can also die from cold and hunger if they aren't reunited quickly.

See the full news item on ITVNews

Tye (local) n. an area of common land or pasture. [OE teag; cf ON teigr strip of land]

The Friends of Telscombe Tye Conservation Group was formed in early 2004. We bring together people of different ages, interests and backgrounds but we all have one thing in common - a wish to play a role in protecting and enhancing the natural environment of Telscombe Tye.

The Tye remains one of the few places on the South Downs, west of Seaford, where the Downs landscape meets the sea. If you live in and around the area and use and enjoy the Tye on a regular basis, whether for dog walking, exercise or just to enjoy it, why not become a member and support us in our work.

The Friends also carry out a range of tasks on the Tye, from litter picking to scrub clearance, weed pulling to plant and animal surveys. Leadership and skills training is also given by the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV).

What do we want from volunteers? - mainly enthusiasm! Eveyone has some skill or ability of value to the group, all we want is for people to contribute in their own way and at their own pace.

You don't have to be fit or experienced, just willing - we'll be happy to see you.