About Us

I’m Lou, a first generation, new entrant sheep farmer based on the Cambridgeshire - Hertfordshire - Essex border.

In 2015 I set up a contracting business L G Osman Shepherding, through which I had the opportunity to work on a variety of different farming systems across the UK as I travelled around the country lambing and shearing.

After talking about it for far too long I branched out and bought some of my own sheep in 2021, 50 Welsh Mountain ewes that I kept on a polo yard.

Now we have 400 breeding ewes run as a flying flock all over Cambs, Herts and Essex.

While not having a background in farming I have always had a fascination with farming particularly sheep (my Britains toy farm was a site to behold). Without many contacts in the UK I moved to Australia to get some hands on experince with sheep and cattle before starting my Masters in Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare, specialising in livestock welfare and handling. With this I had the chance to study in Canada; where I decided I wanted to leave academia and become a farmer!

Small sheep, keep them moving

I run Welsh Mountain ewes, these are small, very hardy sheep who are incredible mothers producing very flavoursome lamb. The system works because these crazy little things don’t eat as much as lowland breeds and will find food anywhere.

There is nothing new about the way I do things, infact its a very old method of managing livestock. With a focus on sustainabilty, environmental benefits and high animal welfare.

For most of the year the sheep are rotated around grass, clover and herbal leys, allowing for regrowth and a reduction in worm burden, meaning we can use no fertiliser and limited worming chemicals.

Over the winter months I work with local arable farmers where the sheep fertilise the land while grazing cover crops that allow for soil coverage preventing erosion and put some goodness back into the ground in the form of organic matter.

With this method the sheep can stay out all year and we have no need to introduce hard concentrate feeds.

We are Fuelled by Forage.

Clover Leys Lamb

Clover Leys was born from the idea of providing people with high quality, sustainable, locally produced meat.

Having the personal link to the end user and completing the farm to fork story makes the hard work worth it.

  • Lou

    The Shepherd

    I run the flock, doing everything from the day to day management of the sheep to organising the meat boxes and delivering them to your door.

  • Annabel

    The Brains

    Annabel is my wife who helps when time allows around her job as a full time Land Agent. Generally seen as the calming influence.

  • Spot

    The Right Hand

    We would not be able to manage the sheep without Spot. Rarely puts a foot wrong at work and everyones best friend. Not as quick as he used to be but one hell of a dog.

  • Nell

    The Fruit Loop

    Life could be easier without Nell, but it would be boring. Moves large mobs of sheep at lightning speed and does not suffer fools. Top dog at home and my best friend.