foldyard

A foldyard, also known as a fold, yard, or close, is an area of enclosed land typically found on farms and agricultural estates. Historically, it served as a secure enclosure for livestock, most notably sheep, hence the name "fold." These enclosures were crucial for protecting animals from predators, inclement weather, and for managing them during shearing or lambing.

Foldyards were often constructed with stone walls, wooden fences, or hedges, designed to be robust enough to contain the animals within. The size and shape of a foldyard could vary greatly depending on the needs of the farm and the type of livestock being kept. In some cases, larger estates might have had multiple foldyards for different groups of animals or for specific agricultural purposes. The term "fold" itself also refers to the act of enclosing sheep.

Beyond livestock, foldyards could also be used for other agricultural activities. They might be a space for storing farm equipment, housing poultry, or as a general utility area. In some regions, the term might also be used in relation to a drying area for crops or other materials. While the traditional use of foldyards for large-scale sheep farming has diminished in some areas, the architectural remnants and the concept of enclosed farmyards persist in agricultural landscapes.