The Arrival of the Whitefaced Woodland Sheep at Home Farm

There’s a calm new presence at Home Farm this week, as a small flock of Whitefaced Woodland sheep settles in. Their arrival marks another step in maintaining the diversity and resilience of traditional livestock breeds that have shaped the British landscape for centuries.

The Whitefaced Woodland is one of Britain’s oldest hill breeds, originally from the South Pennines. It was developed to withstand the cold, exposed uplands where grazing is sparse and conditions are often harsh. The breed is easily recognised by its pure white face, pink nose, and strong, curling horns. Beneath that striking appearance lies a gentle nature and a remarkable ability to adapt to challenging environments.

Once common across northern England, the breed’s numbers declined as agriculture shifted toward faster-growing, more commercial varieties. Today, it is listed by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust as a priority breed on their watchlist—an important distinction that identifies it as one of the breeds of greatest concern. Priority status reflects not only low population numbers but also increased levels of inbreeding, making the preservation of flocks like this one especially vital.

Their wool is one of the breed’s most valued traits. It is long, lustrous, and creamy-white, prized by hand spinners and weavers for its strength and sheen. When handled carefully, it produces beautifully soft yarn with natural warmth and durability—qualities that make it ideal for traditional textiles and knitwear.

Beyond their practical value, the Whitefaced Woodlands also help maintain healthy pasture. Their grazing patterns encourage plant diversity and support a balanced ecosystem across the fields. In this way, they contribute to both conservation and sustainable land management.