Why Ryeland Sheep?
Rare Breed
The Ryeland sheep is one of the oldest, established British breeds and, until recently, was classified as a rare breed. Now enough Ryeland exist for them to be re-classed as a "minority breed”.
Flavour
Heritage breeders and chefs have rediscovered the excellent Ryeland meat from lambs fattened solely on milk and grass, with plenty of natural marbling, and exquisite favour.
Total traceability
At Broxted Hill farm we have a closed flock of 16 ewes which means that we do not introduce any outside breeding stock. This ensures better biosecurity and gives us total control of our sheep's genetic progress and traceability of our meat.
It is also easier to maintain the health of a smaller flock at a very low stocking density on our rich, zero input meadow pasture as well as natural browsing in our woodland.
Fleece
As a heritage breed, Ryeland was a favourite of the House of Tudor. Queen Elizabeth I herself would only wear stockings from Ryeland wool. They produce a fine-woollen fleece ideal for hand spinning. Our sheep fleece is donated and used by the Lea Valley Guild of weavers, spinners.