Farmer's nightmare as acorns kill 35 sheep

LONG HOT SUMMER HAS LEFT FIELDS COVERED IN NUTS

- By ANDREW FORGRAVE Countryside and Tourism Editor

A FARMER is keeping an anxious eye on his sheep after losing 35 ewes to acorn poisoning. More are showing signs of illness and may die as there is no cure.

Geraint Davies, who farms Fedw Arian Uchaf near Bala, Gwynedd, said that after the long dry summer, he'd never seen fields covered with so many acorns.

Although 210 ewes have been moved to hill land, away from oak trees, he now faces a two-week wait to find out if more animals succumb.

Already he's looking at a potential £6,000 hit on the farm finances, once disposal costs are met and replacement ewes found. "We've just got to try and weather the storm," he said. "A handful of sheep are showing similar signs and I just have to hope they don't die as well.

"I've taken stock up on the mountain even though the grazing is not ideal for older ewes and it will affect grass availability for younger animals. But I couldn't afford not to - I couldn't risk any more falling ill."

Acorns contain phenols and tannins that are toxic when eaten in sufficient quantities, causing kidney failure. Green acorns are particularly toxic.