Sheep and other animals

Different grazers complement each other when applied to managing our small paddocks.  Goats like to browse and also eat older nettles and other invasive weeds.  Sheep clear ground level vegetation and can make a good job of 'clearing up' after toppering.  We only have one horse however swapping paddocks regularly with other animals is likely to reduce any worm burden. Varying grazing species will mean varied droppings - this will hopefully widen number of different insect species.

Angora goats
Beakin and Banjo
Young Manx Loughton ewe
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Boreray

Boreray

I started keeping a small registered Boreray flock here over 10 years ago, .  They are hardy, attractive sheep which usually lamb without problems.  There are quite a few older ones in my flock now, so I try to ensure they get plenty of food to sustain themselves.  They can be quite flighty but they are wonderful characters, some are more bold than others.  The fleeces are very variable from very coarse to moderately soft once dehaired.  They originate from the island of Boreray which is part of the St Kilda archipelago and are classified as At Risk on the Rare Breed Society watchlist.

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Kerry Hill

The first sheep I kept here were Kerry Hill, mine are not registered and one of them is in fact a Kerry / Suffolk cross.  I was attracted to them by their striking appearance.  The fleeces are beautifully dense and springy and can be used for various projects.

Hebridean

I have had my hebrideans for over 10 years.  They are very hardy, very lively even in old age.  The fleeces are long and work very well in peg loom rugs.

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Ouessant

Oessants are the smallest sheep breed.  They are tiny, delightful sheep and produce lovely fleeces which can be used for a range of purposes.

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Manx Loughtan

Beautiful sheep with soft rich brown fleece.  The ones I have possess lovely temperaments and are compliant and easy to move and handle.

Angora Goats

These goats are friendly and full of character.  They browse on all sorts of vegetation, including invasive plants such as nettles.  The fleece is very lustrous and blends well with other fleeces to add texture and lustre.