Sheep
Dorset Horn
The Dorset Horn, which was developed to its present form in the mid 1800s, is known for its all round qualities as a meat and wool producer.
Its chief distinction is its horns – large and curled – in both rams and ewes, which you can see from our Shirley! Ewes with horns of this size and type are unique to the Dorset breed among modern domestic sheep. The breed’s other great distinction is the forwardness of the ewes. Dorset ewes can breed twice in one year although three lambings in two years is more usual. The lambing rate is good and they are excellent mothers with abundant milk.
Welsh Hill Speckled Face
The Welsh Hill Speckled Face is a derivative of the Welsh mountain variety with some sources indicating that Kerry Hill breedings was also introduced at some point.
The breed originated in the Devil’s Bridge and hill areas of Mid Wales. It is generally larger in size than the Welsh Mountain with a finer fleece and black markings on the nose, eyes, ears, knees and feet. The males are either polled or horned and the ewes are polled.
Bleu du Maine lambs
The Bleu du Maine originated in western France and was first introduced into the United Kingdom in 1978.
The Bleu du Maine is noted for producing big crops of small lambs which lamb easily, are hardy, grow quickly and have strong desire to live. Within minutes of birth, lambs are on their feet and suckling the ewe's plentiful milk supply, which ensures a very high growth rate.
The breed was developed from crossing of Leicester Longwool and Wensleydale varieties. We have several fully grown Bleu du Maine Ewes and they always produce a lovely selection of lambs in the spring.
Update August 2007: All lambs are now weaned and have gone off to a farm in Kent where they’re looking healthy and happy. The four sheep that remain on the farm include a Suffolk, and some Welsh Speckled Hill Face.