Heritage Breeds of The Sheep Trust  

The UK has the greatest diversity of sheep breeds of any nation in the world.

Over 80 different sheep breeds exist in the UK and more than 70% of these are 'native' - breeds that have not been introduced from other countries - and represent our national living heritage.

Only native sheep breeds come within the protectorate of The Sheep Trust. The breeds are not 'rare' - they are traditionally farmed, often over centuries - and play a crucial role in helping rural communities to survive.

It is these Heritage Breeds, concentrated in particular regions of the country, that were most threatened by FMD or Blue Tongue Virus - when the disease entered their homeland.

The Heritage Breeds represent the greatest genetic diversity in the national flock and are often uniquely adapted and isolated to their environments.

Supporting The Sheep Trust will enable us to help Heritage Sheep Breeding in the UK, conserve our national living heritage and help to ensure the continuation of these breeds, breeders and their rural communities in years to come.