We keep three breeds of sheep high in our hills- they are all hardy and, being smallholders without a sheepdog, are well trained to the 'corn bucket'! They also are usually found where we left them! Although they are all kept together, it is quite surprising how they tend to separate out and keep their own breed company.

Greyface Dartmoor: These are attractive, quiet and easily handled, descended from breeds which grazed the low ground in and around Dartmoor. As you would expect, they have immense strength of constitution developed through withstanding severe winters and exposed conditions.These are medium sized sheep, deep bodied and short legged. The ewes are good milkers, and make excellent mothers.  The huge fleece is classified as Lustre Longwool, and is used in carpet making.

Ryeland: Another compact, placid and robust sheep, this breed is thought to be the oldest of the recognised breeds. Not now strictly classified as 'rare', it is placed in the 'traditional' category by the RBST. The ewes have excellent mothering instincts, and the lambs mature quickly. The fleece is of 'Down' type and is of good quality for hand spinning.

Portland: the rarest of the sheep breeds we keep, they are thought to have descended from the Mediterranean type of sheep brought to Britain by the Romans. These are small, horned sheep with fine boned legs which are tan coloured. Lambs are born with a foxy-red coat which changes in the first few months to a creamy white. These are a very thrifty breed, known for excellent flavour and texture of their meat. We are specifically asked by many of our contacts for Portland meat. Although the ewes are milky and very good mothers, they usually only produce one lamb. We have had only one set of twins in 14 years!

For links, see www.ryelandfbs.com

                    www.greyface-dartmoor.org.uk

                   www.rbst.org.uk

Dexter Cattle

Like most of our animals, another small breed! We keep a small herd of the short-legged type, a mixture of red and black. We have been lucky over the years to have the use of good stock bulls who have produced stocky, well balanced animals for us. The meat is much prized, and we always make sure there is plenty in our freezer! Please look on our 'For Sale' page for availability of animals or meat.      See our link to the Dexter Cattle society:  www.dextercattle.co.uk