[Zed13]

I have recently bought a house with an acre field that I am hoping to use for keeping sheep. The field has a small stream running down one side. The stream is only small, maybe a foot or two wide and the ditch it runs through is only about a foot deep. On far side side is hedges and neighbours garden fences which stops me from fencing that side. My plan is to fence down the side of the stream in our field to keep the sheep in but halfway down where the ditch is less steep, fence a small square area so the sheep can get in to drink from the stream. Is it ok for sheep to drink from a stream?

[Pedwardine]

In essence, yes. You need to know the source and if anything iffy can enter the stream along it as it comes into your land. Also be aware of things like liver fluke via natural water. Can you get a test on a water sample?

[in the hills]

Ours drink from the brook that runs through all our fields ..... no problems so far.

[SallyintNorth]

Don't make their access too small - they'll just wreck the bank there if you do.

As well as fluke and other things upstream of yourself, you maybe should check out what happens downstream, in case anyone uses the water and doesn't expect to start getting sheep poo and pee in it...      Not that that should stop you using it, but it might be neighbourly to give them a heads up!

[Zed13]

Thanks for the advice. The spring for the stream is maybe quater mile up the hill but does go past houses before reacing my field. Getting a water sample done sounds a good plan. Plus will bear in mind to make access point wide as possible.