Here at Cragg House Farm, we are proud champions for pedigree native breeds of livestock. Native breeds have characteristics that are better suited to our challenging climate and make a positive contribution to the ecosystem they have evolved to thrive in.

The Clun Forest breed takes its name from the old town of Clun and the surrounding forests.  It is situated in the southwest corner of Shropshire and is bordered by Montgomeryshire and Radnorshire.  

Defining Features:

A clean open dark-brown face, free from speckles, with the top of the head nicely covered and free from dark wool. 

The ears are carried high set at ‘5 to 1’. 

The body has a strong muscular neck, lengthy good back, deep rib and stands square on its legs. 

They have a dense, cream coloured fleece, that is generally of a high quality.

History:

At the beginning of the 19th century there were 12,000 acres of common land in this area.  The greater part of this land rose to an altitude of 1500ft and has the remains of “pounds”, “druid circles” and “Offas Dyke”.  At this time both the forest and common lands were inhabited by this breed of sheep hence the name. It is likely that pastoral or semi-nomadic shepherds who lived in the forest about 1000 years ago originally bred these sheep. 

On the 10th January 1925 the ‘Clun Forest Sheep Breeders Society’ was formed ‘to secure the purity of lineage and fixity of type’ and also to promote the virtues of the breed throughout the sheep industry.

Over the past 90 years the breed has retained all the positive attributes which has made it popular worldwide.  However, the ears are now carried slightly higher and the face is of a darker shade of brown. 

Uses:

Pedigree Clun Forests can be used to produce Mules and Halfbred ewes or for crossing with Texels, Charollais and Suffolks to produce commercial fat lambs. These usually have great conformation,  quick growth rates and can usually finish on grass alone. 

Grass-fed meat from the Clun Forest is generally lean, dark and flavoursome. 

The high quality fleeces usually weigh between 2.5 and 3 kg with a staple length of 10cm. Main uses are fine hosiery, felts, knitting wools and futons. It is becoming increasingly popular with spinners, both experienced and novice.