A METAL detectorist has been hailed a hero after becoming a serial sheep saver when he found himself rescuing a herd of the bashful animals who had gotten stuck in various ways.
Chris Evans had been on the hunt for new findings on Anglesey Farm in Anglesey, Wales on Saturday when he spotted a rather unusual sight – a ewe laid on its back.
The 45-year-old was then left bemused after realising that in fact, three other separate sheep were stranded across the field in various ways.
Carpenter Chris then sprang into action, ditching the detector for determination as he rescued the flock of helpless farm animals in a bizarre turn of events that he hadn’t expected on his weekend wander.
Chris first saw a ewe laid on its back with its feet kicked in the air as two lambs stood in fear by her side, and had originally believed the sheep to be dead.
After discovering it was still alive, Chris called his fiancée Sarah – who grew up on a farm – who then advised he would need to roll the sheep over as soon as possible.
Footage shows the first ewe lying on a muddy patch in the field with her legs kicking the air, appearing withered from attempting to roll herself back over.
The ewe can later be seen standing by her young as they gently feed on her before walking away with the rest of the flock.
Further footage shows a second sheep desperately attempting to break free from a fence propped against a stone wall.
Chris can be heard saying “Wait” as he gently moves the fence and the sheep runs away to safety.
He can then be seen walking towards a final sheep who appears to be stuck in the ditch, gently pulling the sheep out with great concentration.
The camera then pans to the flock of sheep walking away in a line, seemingly grateful for Chris’s aid in their time of need.
Chris took to social media on Saturday to share the incredible moment, writing: “More than just detecting!”
The post received hundreds of likes with dozens praising the impromptu farm hero for his actions.
One person wrote: “Not all heroes wear capes but they do use detectors. Nice one, bud.”
Another said: “In the northern parts of England this is known as rigwelting. As others mentioned, it’s best to try and hold the sheep upright a few seconds if you can to let them get circulation back.
“You’ve just saved the farmer a few hundred quid in potential lambs too.”
A third commented: “Bloody hell, mate. Busy day.”
A fourth added: “As a shepherd, I say fair play. You did a grand job there.”
Speaking to Chris today, he said: “I went metal detecting on Saturday morning to a [field with] permission I have on Anglesey at about 10am.
“I saw what I thought was a dead sheep on her back with lambs by her side. As I got closer, I could see she was still moving and her eyes were blinking.
“I videotaped and sent it to the farmer who was not replying as this is a busy time for farmers. I called my fiancée Sarah, as she was brought up on a farm.
“She told me I ‘needed to grab her and lift her up and hold her for a couple of minutes’. There was no way I could pick her up as I was a little scared.
“I rolled her over several times and she kept falling over, so eventually I grabbed her and off she went.
“Then, unbelievably there was a lamb stuck in a fence. I had to untangle it, pull it back and get it back to the ewe as it would have needed milk.
“Then, another! And then, one more. This was all over seven or eight fields – when the farmer came patrolling, checking his flock, and I showed him the videos – he was happy.
“I was happy and the farmer was delighted.”
It’s vital to help a sheep if one is found lying on its back.
If left alone, the sheep will be left vulnerable to birds and a buildup of strong gases in their stomach, meaning they will only have 24 hours to be rescued.
For this reason, it’s important to roll the sheep back onto its feet and inform the farmer that assistance is needed.
