Tiny spring lamb rescued after losing her mum at Nottinghamshire nature reserve

The lamb was spotted by three teenage girls who said the tiny creature was on her own and stuck in some mud – and mum and the rest of the flock could not be seen.

Worried for the lamb's safety and believing she was an orphan, the teenage girls collected the lamb and took her to Attenborough Nature Reserve’s centre, where the RSPCA was called for help.

RSPCA Inspector Dan Bradshaw attended the incident and said it was clear the lamb, a rare Zwartbles breed, had only been born that morning as she still had her umbilical cord attached.

Concerned that her mum could still be around, Dan tracked down the farmer.

He said: “I managed to trace the farmer, who was very helpful but concerned that the mother would not accept the lamb back due to the human scent on her and because of the time that had passed while they were apart.

“Myself and the farmer located the ewe we believed to be the mother but sadly she wouldn’t accept her lamb back. We couldn’t leave the lamb orphaned overnight as she wouldn’t have made it. So I made enquiries with a former RSPCA colleague Fran Smith-Evison to see if she would be willing to take the lamb on as I knew she has a flock of orphan lambs.

"Luckily she agreed and the farmer signed over the lamb to us for rehoming. I am so grateful to Fran for taking on little Hope-Bo.

“The farmer was very helpful and was thankful for RSPCA assistance. He wanted the best for the lamb, but due to the nature of his work he wasn’t able to hand feed her, which is why he signed her over to the care of the RSPCA.

“Hope-Bo, as she has since been named, has settled straight into her new cosy home.

“Once she is a little bit stronger she will join a seven strong flock on the small holding. The next week or so is going to be touch and go, but Hope-Bo seems to have a fighting spirit.”

Anyone who spots an animal in distress should call the RSPCA’s emergency line on 0300 1234 999.