VICARS are used to caring for their flock — but this church is looking after real sheep alongside its congregation.

Rev Ali Morley welcomed six sheep to the meadow next to St Mary’s Church, Brading, in November.

It was a way of keeping down the cost of grass-cutting in the churchyard, but also showing the church’s commitment to ecology and conservation.

Now the six ewes have given birth to lambs, which means Ali has an even larger flock to take care of.

But she has experience in animal husbandry, and a team of volunteers from the church to help.

It’s part of the focus on the environment which is a high priority in the four churches she leads in Brading, Yaverland, St Helens and Seaview. Collectively, they are known as the Haven Benefice.

The environmentally-friendly congregation at St Helens Church has already been presented with an award for their commitment to green issues.

And the church hall at St Mary’s Church was turned into a permanent market selling Fairtrade, ecological and ethical products during the recent lockdowns. It is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10.30am to 3.30pm.

Ali said: “We were incredibly lucky because we have a field next to the churchyard that we could put the sheep in – just 0.6 of an acre.

"I’ve got some experience, but people came out of the woodwork and we ended up with a very experienced team of volunteers.

"Now the six ewes have given birth to six lambs, with another four to six on the way. So there are a lot of late nights and early mornings looking after our sheep.

Rev Ali Morley helping a sheep giving birth.

Rev Ali Morley helping a sheep giving birth.

“The sheep we bought were the beginning of an amazing process that is taking us into animal husbandry, and allows great connections with the local school and community."

Ali said the sheep are 'amazing visual aids' in telling Bible stories about sheep.

She added: "There is no doubt in my mind, and in the mind of our church, that we are following our Good Shepherd, Jesus, on an amazing new journey.”