In the mid 1990s  Val and Tony Howells moved to Essex to work in boarding kennels. Taking along with them a herd of Angora Goats , 3 dogs and two cockatiels.

After surviving the 2001 foot and mouth outbreak sheep were added to the menagerie  and the rest as they say is History!!                                                                    

As time progressed the Angora herd diminished and we are now left with only 2 does,Gale and Swallow who will end their days with us and continue to keep the sheep on their toes.

Coloured Ryelands where aquired in 2004 with the purchase of 4 ewes and a ram we have bred from these and kept on the ewe lambs to increase the flock.

 

The Coloured Ryeland flock now consists of 7 adult ewes Zeta, Coffee,Debs,  Fizz, Hetty, Holly and Harriett ,3 Shearling ewes purchased from Wales in 2007 and the boys Zac, and Freddie Along with them are 1 Border Leicester ewe Scatty , Ginger a portland ewe and Sooty the Suffolk Ewe  

 

2007 lambing produced two coloured ryeland ewe lambs and 2 ram lambs

and 5 cross breed ewe lambs

 

2008 produced 8 Coloured Ryeland lambs unfortunately 6 were boys and these will be available as wethers (castrated males)when weaned for pets/lawnmowers.

Scatty produced triplets and needed assitance with feeding so i have 2 bottle fed ewe lambs available when weaned , Ginger again gave us 2 ewe lambs and Sooty one very dark coloured ewe lamb

 

The 2008 show season beckons but is limited due to the ongoing Blue tongue restrictions but I hope to be at a couple of shows so do come and say 'hello' Shadowland Coloured Ryeland sheep will be at

 

 

Alton Show                                             6th July      2008

Cranleigh show                                     3rd August 2008  

 

 

    

At Tendring Hundred show Jerry was very popular with the children all wanting a cuddle!!                                          

Jessie, 2nd Prize at Tendring Hundred show 2007