SHEEP OF THE WEEK

Sheep of the week is the Ryeland, as mentioned in the Monmouth Cap post, below.  They originated in Herefordshire  and became known as Ryelands because they grew up in the rye growing areas, where they would graze over the emerging plants, thickening them up. By the early 20th C. they had almost died out, and the Ryeland Society was set up in 1903, to protect them.  They are popular for small holdings because their wool has exceptional felting qualities, and is good for hand spinning. Thank you to this Scottish farmer for his delightful video.