The Hebridean Sheep Society exists to promote Hebridean sheep as an economical breed with qualities of importance to today's livestock industry (particularly extensive sheep farming) and many types of ecological management task to promote biodiversity. The Society is the registration authority for the breed within the UK and is affiliated to the National Sheep Association.
Membership is open to all who support the aims of the Society. Membership information can be sought from the membership secretary : membership@hebrideansheep.org.uk or telephone +44 (0)1908 611092.
On this page you will find a range of websites for you to try which have a link with Hebridean sheep. We have provided you with a short description of what the site contains to save you time in searching for what you want.
Members Websites:
This is the website of Chas and Kath Heeley (Brightside Flock) and is full of photographs of Hebridean sheep in all sorts of settings, shows, cross breeds, in natural environments etc together with some of Chas and Kath’s own favourites the ponies. Check it out now!
This is the website of David & Madeleine Short (Merchant Flock) and is full of photographs of Hebridean and Manx Loaghtan sheep in all sorts of settings, shows, cross breeds, in natural environments etc. Check it out now!
Other Interesting Websites:
Agnes is a 'flying shepherd'. She looks after the largest flock of Hebridean sheep in Europe... and she has named them all.
Agnes has been a shepherd for 12 years, four and a half in Bestwood. The Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust employee is originally from Holland and learnt about her current job on the internet while browsing for shepherding jobs. She's in charge of the largest flock of Hebridean sheep in Europe. "We've got between five and six hundred sheep and 25 cows."
Flying shepherd Nicknamed the 'flying shepherd', her job entails moving sheep from field to field as they mow the lawns of Nottinghamshire's countryside. "We're grazing in about 25 different reserves in the whole county. I drive around checking on the animals, moving them from one reserve to another."
Christmas connection Nowadays she's closest the county gets to the three shepherds in the Bible's Christmas story although their sheep wouldn't have been penned in. "They were more adventurous. They would stay with their sheep at night because they didn't have a place to go back to. They used to do it more in groups and they had dogs to protect them."
Sheep are clever Agnes chose to work with sheep because she says they're relaxed and laid back animals. "They are very clever. Very sociable as well. If a dog finds something nice to eat it'll scoff it before its mates arrive. If a sheep finds something to eat it'll bleat to let the rest of the group know."
Animal mowers Hebridean sheep were first introduced to Bestwood Country Park, Nottinghamshire, in 2003 as part of a conservation scheme. They graze the park keeping down the length of grass to allow more wild flowers to flourish. The unusually coloured Hebridean sheep are classified as a "minority breed" as there are only a few thousand in the country.
GAP was developed in 1997 to aid the development of conservation grazing, defined as “grazing that meets nature conservation objectives”. GAP is a UK-wide partnership network of practitioners and advisers from the nature conservation, agricultural and livestock sectors. GAP runs a wide range of services including an enquiries service, a quarterly newsletter, information leaflets, various publications and advisory handbooks, an online discussion forum "Nibblers", training courses, regular workshops and field events and a biennial conference. GAP has also developed the Local Grazing Schemes concept, and supporting Local Grazing schemes is the backbone of our work on the ground. GAP does not itself own or manage any livestock or sites. The GAP network is made up of nearly 1500 members plus 30 partner organisations and is open to anyone with an interest in conservation grazing. Our membership includes conservationists, farmers, policy makers, ecologists, academics and students. GAP believes that by working in partnership we can move towards environmentally, economically and socially sustainable grazing systems that will help to rejuvenate both the countryside and rural communities.
Eco-Lots is a free service designed to help the rural economy by assisting with the environmentally sensitive and sustainable management of land, trees and wildlife in the UK. It seeks to do this by providing free online advertising for sales, wants and events covering a wide range of rural products and services. There are no subscription, commission or advertising fees. Ecolots is an initiative of FACT; please click on the link to find out more about the FACT group and go to our links page for details of the supporting organisations. Eco-Lots is the result of merging two previous initiatives - WoodLots and Eco-Ads. By bringing them together we are able to offer a wider and more reactive service without the need for subscription or advertising charges.
This specialist organisation is dedicated to safeguarding the interests and future of sheep farmers throughout the UK. Originally established in 1892, NSA has seen tremendous growth over the past 30 years in both the pedigree and commercial sectors. Today the organisation is recognised by many, including Government, as a first port of call for the provision of sound, practical views on sheep industry issues. This is equally the case in Defra, SEERAD, The Welsh Assembly and DARD. Marketplace reform and political lobbying are the focal points of NSA work. Campaigning for a better understanding of the challenges facing grass root producers. Whether that be Ministry officials or others in the red meat chain, the need has never been greater than it is today.
This website provides up to date information about farming
This specialist organisation is dedicated to safeguarding the interests and future of rare breed animals.