Let’s give longwool sheep a helping hand
Who doesn’t love the sight of a longwool sheep? With their flowing fleece, shaggy fringe and perky ears, they cut quite a dash on fells and moorlands around the UK.
When the wool industry was booming in Britain, these hardy longwools made a hugely valuable contribution to rural communities. A reliable source of wool and meat, they’ve historically played an important role in farming and agriculture.
Besides their distinctive appearance, these woolly wonders also do their bit for diversity and conservation thanks to their grazing. Constant nibbling enables them to thrive on varied pasture and keep areas open for a wider variety of other plants and animals.
Today, however, their numbers are in rapid decline. In the latest figures from the RBST Watchlist, six of the nine UK longwool breeds are classed as vulnerable. For instance, there were only 251 Lincoln Longwool breeding females registered in 2019. Thankfully, plans are afoot to put things right…
#LoveALongwool and safeguard these super sheep
It’s not too late to save the future of these amazing creatures. That’s why the Rare Breeds Survival Trust has launched their #lovealongwool campaign.
Through bespoke breeding programmes and cutting-edge conservation techniques, the RBST is looking to strengthen longwool sheep breeds for generations to come. By promoting the use of longwools for wool, meat and conservation grazing, #lovealongwool aims to raise the profile of these hard-working heroes.
Doing our bit with longwool laundry balls
To raise funds for the RBST, Little Beau Sheep is creating a limited edition run of laundry ball packs made from longwool. RBST will receive a £5 donation from every sale to help with their amazing and essential work.
Meet the sheep
Specifically, the laundry balls use wool from a Devon & Cornwall Longwool, a Leicester Longwool and a Wensleydale. Even more specifically, the wool comes from Sapphire, Chester, Berry and Bridie. They’re all from Broadstone Rare Breeds in Wales, where they are tenderly reared and cared for by Jane the shepherdess…
Sapphire: Devon & Cornwall Longwool |
Chester: Leicester Longwool |
Berry & Bridie: Wensleydale |
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Sapphie was a prize-winning ewe in her day, with a host of longwool show rankings to her name. A fantastic mum – and now a grandma – she’s a really friendly character. |
Chester likes nothing better than a scratch and a cuddle – followed by a dust up with his fellow rams. His especially lovely fleece is a trait shared by his family. |
These two tearaways are from Bonnie – the oldest Wensleydale on the farm. Still young and skittish, it remains to be seen whether they inherit mum’s naughty nature! |
Meet Jane, the shepherdess
Ever since she was little, Jane wanted live on a farm. Unlike most of us, she managed to realise her childhood dream – although it wasn’t a straightforward journey.
After her nursing studies were interrupted by the onset of ME, Jane took time out to recover. Whilst doing so, she discovered the healing power of alternative and complementary therapies. Encouraged by the positive effects on her own condition, she went on to become a therapist.
Her voyage of self-discovery didn’t stop there. Jane’s childhood dream of running her own farm hadn’t faded or her desire to work with animals.
Longwool love at first sight
On seeing some Devon & Cornwall Longwools at an agricultural show, Jane had her epiphany. These were the sheep for her! After finding some land to rent, she contacted the Devon & Cornwall Longwool Association to enquire about becoming an owner. As fate would have it, a whole flock had just come up for sale. Jane jumped at the chance and has never looked back…
Holistic therapy for animals
“Tapping into my love and understanding of holistic therapy, I wanted to care for my animals and the land they shared with other living things in a chemical and drug free way” says Jane.
“Homeopathy is my number one health-promoting technique. I don’t inject my animals or use chemical pour on their fleeces. They have thrived and are healthy as a result.”
Now celebrating their tenth anniversary, Broadstone Rare Breeds sells crafts, wool, produce and livestock directly from the farm. You know what – I think Jane is a bit of a rare breed too!
Happy to lend our support
Little Beau Sheep is delighted to be partnering with Jane and Broadstone Rare Breeds. The amazing heritage and sheer beauty of the animals in her care is such a well deserving cause. That’s why we’re supporting #lovealongwool with our limited edition laundry balls. If you want to lend a helping hand, why not take a look and see which lovely longwool takes your fancy?
