|
Sheep
Our English Clun Forest sheep is a robust breed well
adapted to the mountainous landscape with its changeable weather and
meagre pastures. A handsome animal with her black head held high,
the Clun Forest was originally a moor breed but it has since evolved
to give both good wool and succulent meat.
Lambing is between April and June.
Shearing is in May or June and the gîte is open then if you want
to come and help card and spin the wool (using our carding machine
and spinning wheel). The result is ready for you to take away and
use.
Tip:
At the beginning of the summer, the shepherds—as they have done
for thousands of years—bring their sheep up from the lowlands
where they have wintered to the rich highland pastures, along trails
that lead through the valleys and over the ridges.
This is the Transhumance,
for which the sheep are richly decorated; many of the villages along
the route organise their annual party to coincide with this
colourful tradition. And at the end of the summer, it is back down
again in the same way.
|
