“Why do you have sheep?” Last Sunday, having just moved the sheep back to their paddock, a resident out walking stopped to watch and asked the question.
I had never thought about it much before, we just have sheep – doesn’t everyone? We started our sheep journey some years ago, initially to keep the grass down in the field. We saw an advertisement in the Blackmore Vale and went to buy a couple and came back with eight. Fast forward a few years and we are busy breeding to maintain our special breed by meeting the required standard as set by the Association.
Zwartbles originated in the Friesland region of Holland and are a rare breed traditionally used for meat and milk production. Their name simply means black with a white blaze. They were introduced in the UK in 1986 – interestingly, in 1978 only about 250 purebred Zwartbles were left in Holland.

A pedigree Zwartbles will have an uninterrupted blaze – white stripe – which is reasonably straight – it can go under the chin but not on the wool. Running from the crown of the head and down to the muzzle. What began as lawn mowers quickly became a hobby that is mildly addictive – the sheep have an amazing temperament, individual personalities and are easy lambers.
For those spinners out there, the fleece is medium to fine with an excellent crimp along the length of the fibre. The colours range from dense black to chocolate brown with silver fleck through. It is a sturdy wool and can be used for blankets as well as outerwear and felting projects. We use ours to keep the mud down as the fleece also makes good mud mats.

They have provided focus for us through lockdown, company in times of despair and joyous moments, as well as occasional heartbreak. So good are they at mowing grass that we now send them out by request to other people’s paddocks to keep their grass down while we grow and bale our own for their winter feed. They provide entertainment for the local people in their home village and cuddles for precious grandchildren – and that is why we keep sheep.
The flock has become quite big now with grandchildren of our original few still flying the flag for the breed. I have taken time this week to sit with them and ponder on this last week’s events, and how the country will never quite be the same again. When the world around you is mourning, sit with your flock, I can assure you it is the best therapy you can get.