Clun Forest sheep are currently listed as recovering by the American Livestock Breed Conservancy. This means that at one time there were very few breeding animals and now that those numbers are improving the breed still has to be monitored very closely.
The breed was developed in Clun Valley in southwestern Shropshire, England in the 1800's. Clun Forest sheep first came to North America in the 1970's. They are very prolific, have strong mothering instincts, and are adaptable to varying climates and grazing conditions. They can be very longed lived. We have 2 ewes that are 12 years old that had twins this past spring! The North American Clun Forest Association has a 'no show' rule for this breed to help encourage breeding practices that improve the breeds prolifancy and not encourage breeding for less important aesthetic traits.
Clun Forest yarn will be available in Fall 2008.
