Whitefaced Woodland

Our Whitefaced Woodland sheep belong to a breed that originated on the borders between Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Cheshire. Also known as the Penistone after the Yorkshire town where a sheep fair has been held since 1699.

Whitefaced Woodland has common roots with breeds such as the Swaledale and Lonk and has been influenced by other breeds including the Merino. The popularity of the breed declined with the introduction of black-faced sheep which were better suited to the cold wet conditions and rough grazing of the Pennines and the changes in farming systems.

The Whitefaced Woodland is one of the largest hill sheep - as can be seen in the picture of the ram (left). An average mature ewe weighs 63kg and rams weigh around 130kg. Although it is classified as a Pennine hill breed, it is not entirely typical of this group of black-faced hill breeds having white legs and face, and shorter finer wool. Both sexes are horned, those of the ram being heavy and spiralled. The tail is especially long and muscular.

Apart from its ability to thrive in its area of origin the Whitefaced Woodland has been used to cross with ewes of other hill breeds to impart size and vigour. Kept in lowland areas, the ewes can produce large crops of lambs and give a good yield of milk, enabling the lambs to grow rapidly.

Sadly the Whitefaced Woodland is now on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust list as "Endangered" (Category 3, Vulnerable).

A RARE BREED