Our Sheep

The Cotswold breed of sheep is descended from the flocks that grazed the Cotswold hills in Roman times. Their long wool, known as the golden fleece became a major export in the middle ages before their importance as a meat producer grew in the 19th century and rams were exported all over the world. However, their popularity declined in the 20th century as new breeds developed and fashions changed, and by the 1960s only 200 pedigree ewes survived in the UK with the last breeding flock being farmed in Aldsworth, our local village, by the Garne family.

Today, the Cotswold is becoming popular again thanks to dedicated breeders. However, the sheep, also known as the Cotswold Lion, are still classed as a rare breed with under 2000 ewes in the UK.

We have a flock of 50 pedigree Cotswold ewes for breeding here at Conygree. Occasionally we will have mature breeding stock or ewe lambs for sale. Some are crossed to a Hampshire ram with the lambs reared and fattened on our wildflower grassland.