Young Bee takes a break from her munch marathon in the Wildlife Garden

Since the sheep arrived in the Museum Wildlife Garden in August (see my first blog post 'It's sheep time'), I have wanted to meet them. Last week I did. Good thing too, because it looks like they may be leaving soon. Honey, Bella and Bee were busy grazing in the meadow by the pond and seemed a bit shy and preoccupied. But I got a good glimpse of their gorgeously shaggy, woolly coats up-close and witnessed just what voracious munchers they are. Apparently they graze most of the grassland areas including the chalk, meadow, large pond and and the orchard - which is roughly a quarter of the entire Wildlife Garden area - in about 5 weeks. With a little help recently from 2 moorhens so I'm told.

I learned from the garden's keeper that Bee, Bella's lamb, is nearly 5 months old and has been rather adventurous finding holes in the fencing and grazing in other areas she's not supposed to.

On my visit, I also spotted a sign that listed recent sightings in the garden. Some exciting ones, including a Great Spotted Woodpecker and a slow worm. And of course the foxes, spiders and dragonflies which are familiar in the Wildlife Garden at this time of year.

Bee, Bella and Honey in the meadow by the Wildlife Garden pond

It was really good to enjoy a brief respite in the tranquil garden, admiring the reflections of the majestic Museum building in the pond's water, near the sheep. (Thanks Matt for accompanying me to take some photos.) You can catch the sheep in the garden if you hurry. And I recommend a last stroll around before the garden closes to the public on 31 October. See some of the highlights you might encounter in our Wildlife Garden slideshow.

I will keep you posted on what’s happening behind the scenes over the winter months. It’s a very busy time for the garden and its carers.