Sussex wine-makers will be keeping their vineyards tidy with the help of a flock of sheep this winter.

This week they will release 250 sheep to graze across Nyetimber’s West Sussex vineyards.

The environmentally friendly ground management scheme is being rolled out following a successful trial last year.

Pulborough farmer Chris Hodgkins will guide his sheep onto the company’s 100-hectare site where they will be able feed themselves at the same time as tidying up.

Cherie Spriggs, head winemaker at Nyetimber, said: “This is one of those great win-win situations for the sheep, for us and for the environment.

“Chris the farmer can rest his pasture, and we get a lovely flock of new employees to help us keep the grass low.”

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