Thanks for your responses.
The area is within the Department of the Deux Sevre (no 79 in the Poitou Charrente). This is mainly cattle country (Parthenaise, Charollais & Limousin) but it is renown for its goat cheese. We havec about an acre of grass, a post type barn and 2 small buildings in varying states of disrepair. I thought that 4 sheep would keep the grass down (if necessary over wintered in one of the small buildings). I am not too sure about breeding more trying to obtain some orphaned lambs. Our neighbour is a farmer (good friend!) however Holsteins for milk and ducks comprise his stock.
Lamb is particularly attractive as it is expensive to buy in France. Innitially we had thought that 4-6 pigs would be worthwhile, what puts me off is that pork is cheap (and good!) in France and the regs for keeping pork are likely to become onerous in the near future. Any views?
thanks