Like all sheep farmers Anna Kerruish is hoping that people will be keeping their dogs under control when they go out walking at this time of year.

But Anna, who is lambing 1,800 hill ewes this year, also had a message for those walkers who have the best of intentions but may not be aware of the normal behaviour of hill sheep.

She said: ‘The hill ewes, like wild deer, will “nest” their lambs.

‘The lambs will sit quietly on their own while the ewe goes to graze, often out of sight some distance away.

‘Every year we have walkers pick up these “abandoned” lambs – which normally have full bellies and are quite content!’

Andrew Cooper, general secretary of the Manx NFU, agreed, saying: ‘On the Manx hills at this time of year walkers will often see hill lambs sitting on their own - this is normal behaviour for the wilder hill sheep.

‘Please do not pick them up and move them.

‘The hill ewes will instinctively “nest” the lambs who will sit very peacefully while the ewe goes away to graze for lengthy periods.

‘If the lambs are picked up, it is virtually impossible to reunite them with their mothers.

‘If in doubt please leave the lambs, and if you are concerned please advise the farmer or contact the Manx NFU on 662204 and they can advise you on what to do.’