The Chief Shepherdess: Lessons in Life, Death and Farming

by Zoe Colville

 "I grab the motionless lamb, which is frighteningly slippery, and scramble on my feet, swinging its little body around to get the mucus out and help it breathe. I see its chest move, then it sneezes and starts breathing. It's stunned by the delivery experience. As am I. I'm high on adrenaline. Tears are streaming down my face. I pop the lamb down on the ground and start frantically rubbing its tiny body... Looking back, I can see that this was one of the first moments of questioning whether I'm truly cut out for farming, realising that the answer might be... yes"

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Zoë Colville spent years in a fancy hair salon with a long list of clients, living on cigarettes, croissants, and a shoestring. It was everything she'd ever wanted. But when an unexpected and overwhelming loss caused her life to shift unexpectedly, she found herself on a different path. One where the only use for a hairdryer is warming new-born lambs; where the cycle of life on a farm gives new meaning on purpose, and where nature is both a strict teacher and a balm to soothe the pressures of everyday life.

Alongside her long-term boyfriend, Zoë is now a full-time farmer, business owner and activist. In this memoir, she speaks vivaciously, humourously, and candidly about the lessons learned along the way, from mental health, social media and identity to surviving as an entrepreneur in a shifting economy. And through those lessons - in love, loss, and lambing - discovering something even more that it's always the right time to take a bold step and try something new.

PRAISE FOR THE CHIEF SHEPHERDESS

'A new breed of shepherdess blazing a trail across social media, challenging outdated ideas about the job and capturing the public's imagination along the way' - Daily Mail

'The shepherdess whose flock you definitely need to follow' - Hello!

320 pages, Hardcover

Published July 13, 2023

Reviews

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

a book coming from an Instagram profile about starting to run a farm, interesting and funny in parts and how they learn from their mistakes and overall did enjoy it

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable read, this is Zoe's story of how her life changed from Hairdresser to Farmer/Shepherdess after she met her partner Chris.

I really enjoyed this book, a fairly short read for me but very interesting to read Zoe's story going from one extreme to another, from working in London to then going to live and work on a farm in Kent with her partner.

I hadn't realised Zoe had social media but she used her nickname The Chief Shepherdess and this is where the title of the book comes from. I now follow Zoe and while I am a couple of years out on this book, it's nice to see on social media the couple now have a baby so it will be interesting to watch them on Instagram going forward, perhaps she will write another book now they have a baby!

[donna grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a girl, what a book. Zoe just says it like it is. It's hard to understand what farmers go threw unless you are a farmer. She has nailed it with her honesty and humour.
I truly wish all the best for Zoe in her farming future, with women like her leading the way, the future of farming is very bright.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting, enjoyable and entertaining read about the 'ups and downs' of farming life. Zoe's enthusiasm and passion for farming is infectious. Following the narrative of Zoe's progress from farming novice to experienced shepherd is fascinating. As is discovering the elements of farming and farm life that we don't usually see.

[Emma Bradshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, I have followed Zoë for a while now on social media. It’s a easy read that has you both laughing and crying. As a farmers daughter I love how honest and unfiltered Zoë is and how she represents the farming community.

[Jem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the humour and her honesty

[Kathryn Dominey · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5