ShootingEgg Posted March 24, 2021 Report Share Posted March 24, 2021 Bit random but. Mate of mine is looking to purchase some but we are based in yhe Southwest and it seems no kne south of Birmingham has them. Is this purely because they are more of an upland breed so levels arent realy where you'd expect to find them?!? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mice! Posted March 24, 2021 Report Share Posted March 24, 2021 I didn't know they were anywhere except the Lakes, going off country file they aren't the best sheep but are perfect for the environment up here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scully Posted March 24, 2021 Report Share Posted March 24, 2021 Can’t say I’ve seen them anywhere but here, but I can’t think why; they’d thrive anywhere I would think. 🤷♂️ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kentish Posted March 24, 2021 Report Share Posted March 24, 2021 There are some in our village down here in Kent. Have to say I was a bit surprised to see them https://filston.co.uk/the-farm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuarta Posted March 24, 2021 Report Share Posted March 24, 2021 There is a small flock of about 30 on a farm just outside Witney in West Oxfordshire. The farmer said they were easy sheep to keep as they are so hardy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Neal Posted March 24, 2021 Report Share Posted March 24, 2021 https://westlodgeruralcentre.co.uk/ My OH's employer. Fairly sure they've got a thriving flock of Herdwicks and send some out to market each year. Worth a quick enquiry. At the moment best send an email to info@westlodgefarmpark.co.uk as nobody will be manning the phone in the shop I'd guess! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
figgy Posted March 24, 2021 Report Share Posted March 24, 2021 I'm sure you could buy some from a Lakeland livestock sale and have them transported. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benthejockey Posted March 25, 2021 Report Share Posted March 25, 2021 As sheep go theyre fairly indestructible. A few years back, possibly the beast from the east I can't remember, a lot of sheep got buried in snow drifts. It took the farmers days to get to them and longer to dig them out. The Herdwicks survived by licking snow and eating lichen and moss off the stone walls they were snowed in beside. So they're one of the toughest sheep going but they're also bred to live up in the lake district and they're not all that respectful of boundaries! Depending where in the southwest you are your mate would be better getting a sheep more suited to his general area. Southdowns for example were bred to live on the south downs. Theyre very tame on the whole and easy sheep to raise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShootingEgg Posted March 25, 2021 Author Report Share Posted March 25, 2021 11 minutes ago, Benthejockey said: As sheep go theyre fairly indestructible. A few years back, possibly the beast from the east I can't remember, a lot of sheep got buried in snow drifts. It took the farmers days to get to them and longer to dig them out. The Herdwicks survived by licking snow and eating lichen and moss off the stone walls they were snowed in beside. So they're one of the toughest sheep going but they're also bred to live up in the lake district and they're not all that respectful of boundaries! Depending where in the southwest you are your mate would be better getting a sheep more suited to his general area. Southdowns for example were bred to live on the south downs. Theyre very tame on the whole and easy sheep to raise. Unsure why they want the herdwicks but thats what they wanted.. Guess ots something different for the area etc. He will just have to travel to get some Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al4x Posted March 26, 2021 Report Share Posted March 26, 2021 The main question is why does he want them? I like the look of them and there are a few small herds I know of as the local nature reserves like them for putting out on rough land but there are easier breeds of you are down south We have a few Southdown crosses and they are reasonably easy to keep and seem to produce nice lamb. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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