Breed of the Week – Whitefaced Woodland

The Whitefaced Woodland is one of the largest hill breeds and is a powerful, well balanced sheep. Originating in the Pennines region, both sexes are horned, the male having heavily spiralling horns. The breed is very hardy and able to thrive on poor quality grazing and harsh terrain.  Ewes which typically weigh 60-70kg can produce lambs into their teens and are prolific for a hill breed. Lambing percentages are often between 150% and 200%. Pure bred Lambs are small and active but the breed is often put to a commercial tup to produce excellent butchers lambs.   The purebred Whitefaced Woodland lamb will reach a deadweight of 18-20kg within five months and grades well. The ewes are milky and make excellent mothers.

Information from the Whitefaced Woodland Sheep Society and the Rare Breeds Survival Trust