Country diary: Lambing in autumn? That's a local specialty here | Sara Hudston

Bridport, Dorset: The appropriately named Dorset Horns are perfectly content to have lambs in September, thanks to an obscure genetic quirkChubby lambs gambolling over green grass - surely that's a scene which belongs to spring? But here they are, leaping and bouncing on a sunny hilltop in November.Autumn lambs have been a familiar part of country life in these parts for hundreds of years. As far back as the 17th century, sheep from west Dorset and south Somerset were renowned for their ability to lamb out of season, due to a genetic quirk which somehow arose in the region. With careful planning, healthy ewes could have three pregnancies in 24 months. Continue reading...