Originating in the Pennines on the Yorkshire/Derbyshire borders the Whitefaced Woodland is also know as the Penistone after the Yorkshire town where sheep sales have been held since 1699. One of the largest of the hardy hill breeds it has a distinctive white face and legs, both Ram and Ewe are horned and they can thrive on poor grazing and harsh terrain. Often used for conservation grazing they are now an endangered breed. Their wool is much finer than that of other hill breeds and has traditionally been used to make hosiery and knitwear,
A primitive breed, Shetland Sheep are small, extremely hardy and thrive on poor land. The wool from their neck is famous for the Wedding Ring Shawl
Descended from long wool breeds they originated on Romney Marsh, Kent. A hardy breed, they rarely stray and need minimum attention. The vast sheep industries of New Zealand and Australia grew from this breed and they are now probably the most famous sheep in the world.
Across between the Bluefaced Leicester Ram and Swaledale Ewe the North Country Mule or Bluefaced Leicester Cross is prized for it's hardiness and ability to survive on poor land. While in no danger of extinction, there are probably more of them in Britain than any other breed, the quality of it's wool has for too long been overlooked
Descended from the ancient primitive short-tailed sheep that once roamed Britain it is native to the Isle of Man where the Manx name is Lugh Dhoan which translated means Mouse Brown. It is easily recognised by it's naturally soft brown fleece and as many as six horns. Although on the endangered species list the increasing number of Manx Loaghtan lovers are determined it will not become extinct.
First mentioned in the Old Testament Book Of Genesis, Jacob became a breeder of pied sheep, hence the name. This ancient breed, which can have as many as 6 horns, is much prized for it's wool. Although still a rare breed enthusiasts are determined this beautiful sheep will not become extrinct
Believed to have been introduced to this country by early Norse Settlers or alternatively survived the sinking of a ship of the Spanish Armada, this hardy mountain sheep has been with us since about the 10th century and is responsible for shaping the terrain of the Lake District. Until the worth of the fleece of this much loved breed is recognised ~ it makes incredibly warm and durable outerwear ~ farmers will continue to breed them to maintain the countryside for the tourist trade rather than for profit.
A small primitive, short tailed breed, the Hebridean Sheep's history is believed to go back to the Iron Age. By 1973 there were only a few virtually feral parkland flocks remaining, so the breed has probably changed little from it's ancest0rs. Extremely hardy they can survive in the most inhospitable of regions without help from man.
Originally developed in the 1700's by Robert Bakewell, over the next 200 years it was commonly known as the Dishly Leicester and Hexham Leicester due to it's early appearance in the North of England. It is now recognised as the Bluefaced Leicester with it's roman nose, long erect ears and blue skin showing through short wool on the head. It produces only small quantities of long, lustrous wool which is much sort after for it's exceptional qualities and is possibly best known as the Sire of the Mule Ewe which makes up almost halt of the crossbred population of the UK.