Sheep
Although primarily an Alpaca breeder, Town End Farm is also establishing a flock of pedigree Wensleydale sheep.
The breed originated at Bedale, in the Wensleydale region of North Yorkshire early in the 19th century. Originally developed as a 'crossing sire' it is equally well known for its exceptionally high quality lustrous wool, making it an outstanding 'dual purpose' sheep.
The Wensleydale is a very large longwool sheep probably the heaviest of our indigenous breeds. It is visually striking with considerable presence from its bold and alert stance, long curly 'dreadlocks' and distinctive deep blue head and ears. It has the finest and most valuable lustre longwool in the world. Wensleydale wool is used for its special effects and handle (softness) in hand knitting yarn, knitwear, cloth and upholstery fabrics. And because of its similarity, it is regularly used to blend with mohair.
22 August 2010