Showcasing our pedigree registered native rare breed flocks
The Devon & Cornwall Longwool
The Breed
The Devon and Cornwall Longwool Flock Book Association was formed in 1977 following the amalgamation of the South Devon Flock Book Association & the Devon Longwool Sheep Breeders Society.
Although the breed has been in existence for well over 100 years in the West country, the former breeds were slightly different in stature, especially in the early 1900’s. The bigger South Devon was found mainly in South Devon, East and South Cornwall. The smaller Devon Longwool was mainly in North Cornwall, North Devon and South Somerset. However, the breeds over the past few decades have become much more similar, to the extent that the amalgamation is both desirable and practical for all breeders.
This hardy breed is well suited to varying climatic and topographical conditions in and outside the Westcountry. It is an easy grazer, docile with no need for elaborate fencing. They are easy to care for; being quiet and generally calm when needing to gather. The Devon and Cornwall Longwool sheep is a dual purpose animal suitable for smallholders and all farming systems. These sheep have good food conversion, growing well on grass and roots. The breed produces a very heavy fleece of good quality wool.
The breed is categorised as ‘at risk’ on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust 2024 watchlist.