Manx Logthan Sheep Project
The Group’s ownership of the flock began in 1989 when a member wished to give up a flock of Manx Loghtans, and was prepared to transfer them to the Group. It was considered that a worthwhile role could and should be found for primitive sheep, and that rare breeds should earn their keep. The opportunity for the Group to progress this aim came as a result of a chance meeting with National Trust wardens at an open day at a National Trust owned farm in South-West Cornwall. The National Trust, like all conservation landowners, needed grazing animals to solve its management and maintenance problems; but the local coastal sites were unattractive to most farmers with modern commercial breeds.
The
Manx
flock moved to Bosigran in June 1992.
Before this they had various
temporary
homes,
which
provided some useful lessons, taken into
account before
the final
arrangements. Frequent
escapes on to the road, or to pasture they were
not
supposed to be grazing, pointed to a need
for good fencing. The flock
was put
on rough
grazing to clear ahead of cattle. This was very
successful, but the
National Trust wanted the site
to remain uncleared and unimproved,
beyond a
certain point.
Bosigran Farm
near Zennor on the north coast of
West Penwith, in the far west of Cornwall, has substantial areas of
high
biological interest, and the National Trust’s conservation objectives focus on
maintaining the important
coastal heathland and
The flock
survived on a low management plan.
Having lambed out on the cliffs usually unaided,
the sheep were rounded
up in
May for shearing,
castrating and general inspection, including
cobalt
deficiency treatment needed on the
Cornish granite. In October they
were
brought in
for culling. All
wether lambs and the wool went to
the
farmer as
payment. The Group owned the
flock and collected LFA sheep quota on 26
units
to
cover expenses
Over the 14
years of ownership by the Group
the
flock demonstrated the suitability of
primitive sheep for conservation
grazing
and
that they could survive in these conditions.
In September 2003 the flock were on longer able to stay at Bosigern. Following the move, a selection of ewes and ewe lambs was made for retention by Group members and the remainder of the flock was sold. 10 ewes ( 5 x 2 horn and 5 x 4 horn, picked by age for as wide a genetic spread as possible ), are now with members at Higher Hill Farm, Cardinham. Technical advice and support has been offered on breeding and lambing and a suitable breeding ram was supplied in the autumn. This flock forms a basis for further breeding programmes, which together with the ewes and ewe lambs kept temporarily by other members, should enable further flocks to be provided on new sites,should the need arise.
The Manx Flock were featured on a
Christmas card produced by the Trust,
from a painting by Donald Currie Grant.
