A seafaring border collie has been recruited to round up flocks of sheep that live in the Orford Ness nature reserve, off the Suffolk coast.

One-year-old Sweep travels by boat across the water to the shingle spit, where he looks after some of the country’s rarest breeds of sheep under the watchful eye of National Trust shepherd Andrew Capell.

Ipswich Star: Sweep travels over to the Ness via boatSweep travels over to the Ness via boat (Image: National Trust Images)

Breeds kept on the Ness include the Whitefaced Woodland, which was saved from extinction in the 1970s, the Manx Loaghtan, which has fewer than 1,500 breeding females left in the country, and the Herdwick, which has long been associated with author Beatrix Potter.

The spit is also home to rare plants such as sea pea, as well as animals including brown hare, Chinese water deer, and birds such as lapwing, marsh harrier and barn owl.

Ipswich Star: Sweep has started to get used to taking the boat to the NessSweep has started to get used to taking the boat to the Ness (Image: National Trust Images)

Sweep started his new role in February and follows in the footsteps of his long-standing predecessor, Kite.

Mr Capell said the National Trust's new recruit could become something of a tourist attraction when the nature reserve reopens in May.

Ipswich Star: Sweep has taken over the role from his predecessor, KiteSweep has taken over the role from his predecessor, Kite (Image: National Trust Images)

He said: "He’s used to being around sheep but the ferry crossing has taken a bit of getting used to. Thankfully, he seems to have found his sea legs.

"Sweep has plenty to learn so he’ll be in training for a while yet. As I always tell visitors to the Ness, it takes four years to train a sheepdog – one year for each leg!

Ipswich Star: Manx Loaghtan are among the rare breeds that call the Ness homeManx Loaghtan are among the rare breeds that call the Ness home (Image: National Trust Images)

"Having a sea-going sheepdog is a real talking point on the Ness and I’m looking forward to introducing Sweep to visitors once we’ve reopened.

"He’ll no doubt be a popular member of staff and will help us get people engaged in important topics like conservation and the Countryside Code.

Ipswich Star: Whitefaced Woodland can also be found on the spitWhitefaced Woodland can also be found on the spit (Image: National Trust Images)

"Sweep is the only dog allowed on the Ness due to the fragility of the habitat, but we’re hoping he can help us promote responsible dog behaviour across the UK coast and countryside."