We collected two lovely Oxford Down lambs a couple of day ago, and they are settling in nicely in their little isolation paddock. When I lived in Sussex I saw lots of the Down breeds all the time, but of course in Scotland they were quite unusual. I then discovered quite by chance that the Oxfords have quite a long history in this part of the N.E of Scotland, and this reawakened my interest. I never seriously intended to actually buy any, as they are pretty big, but the chance came along and, well, they are pretty rare, with very few flocks (especially registered) left, so, I just bought them. I would put some pics up if I knew how. Maybe I'll get some help with that one. I'm also waiting for some Southdowns to arrive next week, and am very excited about that. They are the old fashioned smaller type from very old lines which I had been unable to source until a recent visit back to Sussex. I went to the Singleton Rare breed Sale for the first time since moving away 20 years ago. It rained all day, but I had a lovely time reacquainting myself with lots of rare breeds I hadn't seen for ages. I also met the shepherd from the Goodwood Estate, where they still breed both the traditional and the modern, larger type of Southdown. He invited me round to have a look at the estate farm, which was a revelation, and has changed a lot since I was last there, and the result was I bought 4 Southdown shearling lambs. I later bought a tup lamb from him, unseen as I had thought I'd had a deal with someone else I met at the sale, but they later changed their mind. It's so exciting to think we're starting a new flock up here, as I think there is only one other flock in Scotland, but if anyone knows any different I Would be pleased to know. Keeping everything crossed now, that they'll arrive safe and sound!
Topic: Oxford Downs (Read 4117 times)
