We keep a mixed flock of sheep, including Devon Closewools, Shetlands, Polled Dorsets and various crosses. The prime reason for getting some sheep was to keep the pasture down, – it just seemed the easiest way to deal with the grass, and it turned out having the little flock was a real joy.
We did lamb in the first years – but now we no longer have easy access to a ram, we tend to replace stock by buying lambs from other local shepherds or from the local market. We keep them for at least three years, giving them a longer life and because we favour mutton over lamb. The first year the shearer came and we were left with our first three fleeces – it came as a pleasant surprise that there was wool too!
Over the years we have learnt how to wash, dye and card the wool, and then to spin, felt, needlefelt and knit and crochet, and I offer various hand made items for sale in a local gallery and in my online shop
I enjoy the sheep as much as their wool; they all have different characters and come up to me for pats, and I often have a flock following me as I walk the fields, and for us, it is important that the animals have a good life.
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