Pets and Wildlife

Embrace nature with your furry friends and learn more about our pet-friendly policies.

We Are Pet and Wildlife Friendly

Pet-Friendly Cottages, Maidenhead | Sheephouse Manor Cottages Flissy in the garden

Pets, Wildlife & Horticulture at Sheephouse Manor

We pride ourselves at Sheephouse Manor of being welcoming to pets, and also having respect for the natural world. Our grounds are maintained as to provide areas for guests to relax and enjoy, but also spaces for much local wildlife to flourish.

We welcome you to bring your pets as we know that sometimes it's the only option! But please note there are limits, and certain do's and don’ts must be adhered to - please see below. We have a dedicated dog run, with dog bin. There are some doggie toys, so please feel free to use these.

We have had a huge variety of breeds of dogs come to stay from Crufts to scruffs, as well as many animals including cats, guinea pigs, a Harris falcon, bunnies and fish.

Take a look below at some photos of animal friends who have visited. To be included on our website or our social media, tell Caroline or tag us on Facebook or Instagram with #friendsofsheephouse.

Pet-Friendly Cottages, Maidenhead | Sheephouse Manor Cottages pets in the garden

We Are Pet and Wildlife Friendly

Pets, Wildlife & Horticulture at Sheephouse Manor

We pride ourselves at Sheephouse Manor of being welcoming to pets, and also having respect for the natural world. Our grounds are maintained as to provide areas for guests to relax and enjoy, but also spaces for much local wildlife to flourish.

We welcome you to bring your pets as we know that sometimes it's the only option! But please note there are limits, and certain do's and don’ts must be adhered to - please see below. 

We have a dedicated dog run, with dog bin. There are some doggie toys, so please feel free to use these.

We have had a huge variety of breeds of dogs come to stay from Crufts to scruffs, as well as many animals including cats, guinea pigs, a Harris falcon, bunnies and fish.

Take a look below at some photos of animal friends who have visited. To be included on our website or our social media, tell Caroline or tag us on Facebook or Instagram with #friendsofsheephouse.

Pet-Friendly Cottages, Maidenhead | Sheephouse Manor Cottages Flissy in the garden
Pet-Friendly Cottages, Maidenhead | Sheephouse Manor Cottages pets in the garden

Our Chickens

Our Current Hens

Our current six hens are a Lohan Brown (brown), an Amber Rock (white), Speckled Maran (dark grey), Rhode Rock (black) and Splash Maran (light grey), and our dear rescued girl (smaller brown).

Unfortunately, around April/May time the foxes are on the prowl to feed their young, so we do not let the chickens free roam in the paddock unless accompanied by armed guard! Just kidding - unless we are around too. 

Bird Life Nearby

As we are so lucky to be surrounded by the Berkshire countryside, it is very pleasant to just sit, relax, watch and listen. From little foragers to birds of prey, here is a list of what we have seen from inside Sheephouse grounds - can you add to it?

We have some binoculars to borrow and would love to hear what you see in and around the grounds.

Wildlife you can find around Sheephouse includes the robin, parakeet, blackbird, Canadian geese, mallard ducks, great spotted woodpecker, common chaffinch, wood pigeon, collared dove, sparrow, magpie, carrion crow, wren, great tit, goldfinch, starling, and red kite.

Other Wildlife Nearby

You might be lucky to see a red fox, grey squirrel, roe buck deer, grass snake, badger, moles, toad, frog, and the palmate newt.

Some animals can be seen on the grounds of Sheephouse, and others on the Thames path, Widbrook Common or Battlemead Common. 

There is an annual migration of the common toad around March time, from the local field across Summerleaze Road, Blackamore Lane and Ray Mead Road East, to their spawning ground in Summerleaze Lake.

Despite the name, the species are in decline, and this lake is an important local hotspot for them. Volunteers armed with torches and buckets help the toads across the roads after dark to avoid them getting squashed. We can lend you a torch and bucket so you can help out too!

Plants

A (likely not comprehensive!) list of fruit, vegetables, herbs and other plants growing most years seasonally at Sheephouse Manor:
• Trees: Monkey puzzle tree, pine, horse chestnut, walnut, bamboo, ash, elm, beech, oak, wisteria, eucalyptus, asea, mulberry (400 years old).
• Fruit: Blueberry, raspberry, blueberry, tomato, white grape, apple, fig, strawberry, mulberry, damson, orange.
• Vegetables: Cauliflower, mangetout, green beans, onions, chard, courgette, pumpkin, spring onion, spinach, pak choi, carrots, lettuce, peppers.
• Herbs: Rosemary, mint, oregano, thyme, bay, sage, chive, tarragon, fennel, basil, lemon balm.
• Flowers: Daffodils, tulips, bluebells, marigolds, sweet pea, roses, wildflowers, sunflowers, lavender, ox eye daisies, lupins, canna, lilies, hydrangeas, geraniums and many others yet unidentified!

Other Information on Gardening at Sheephouse Manor

  • We make some our own compost from a wormery on site, and compost heaps. This fertilises much of the garden. Only organic extra fertilisers are used, such as from our chickens. Most plants are watered with collected rainwater. Some flowers are grown from seed in the greenhouse.

  • We make up our own hanging baskets with plants grown in our greenhouse or buy from the wonderful local Davies Brothers Nursery. These are found on the porch of the front and back doors of the main house, as well as lining Cottages 1-4. 

  • During their season (June-August), guests can pick their own mulberries for £2.00/100g. Speak to Caroline for more information. 

  • In summertime, there are tomato plants outside the cottages which you are welcome to pick and enjoy for free.

  • We have planted various herbs in pots including rosemary, sage, bay and thyme. Please feel free to pick a few sprigs for your cooking. Ask Caroline where to find these. 

  • Bamboo grows well here. We sell bamboo canes for 50p each.

  • Nearby are many more beautiful local gardens to enjoy, e.g., Cliveden, Hughenden Manor and Dorney Wood. Check out our Local Attractions page for more information.

Future Plans

  • We started our own apiary in 2021, and have 2 bee hives currently.

    Find more about what we've been up to on our Instagram @sheephousemanor. 

Dog Rules

  • DO keep dogs on a lead at all times, apart from in the dog run.                  

  • DO clear up after your dogs. Spare dog poo bags are available.  

  • DO treat our cottages with respect.

  • DO remove all pet hairs. Extra work to remove pet hair by us will forfeit your £80.00 damage deposit.

  • DO make arrangements for your dog’s day care. A list of doggie day carers will be sent when you book.

  • DO ask for some blankets for the furniture and dog towels for rubbing our furry friends dry.

  • DON’T let your pets on beds or furniture. 

  • DON’T leave dogs unattended for more than 2 hours. We are not kennels. 

  • DON'T let wet and muddy dogs inside. Outside hose and dog towels available. Any damage or markings on furniture or curtains etc will be charged for.Â