[xxmillyxx]

I have recently bought a property with 6 acres, including a 4 acre SSSI, (Quarry & Wood - Bottom is SSSI chalkland meadowgrass)

Natural England have been out to see me and have suggested that I keep Hebridean sheep on this site.  I am new to this and have never kept sheep before.  Does anyone have any input that could help me in this matter, ie
how many sheep should I keep on there to ensure they are content ?
Should I keep a ram ? 
Any sheep courses out there (I am an avid reader but feel that before I take the leap I need more info than I can get from books)

The area is safe and well fenced and we are running water to it as we speak.

Can anyone advise me please ?

[kanisha]

congratulations and lucky you!! i belive the cornish wildlife trust also keep a flock of hebredians for conservation projects they do have a website if you google it you should come across it. for added interest and variety you may prefer to keep boreray or ouessant sheep both equally good for this type of project .

[lindy]

My advice would be to start with just a few, say 6, to see how you like sheep keeping. I personally would say do not keep a ram to start with.
There is a wesite called Ecolots which has adverts to do with conservation grazing and often has adverts for Hebridean sheep.
It is a good idea to go on a course to learn and about sheep and lambing.  Bet you're excited asbout your new land!

[kanisha]

you may need specialist advice on the numbers to keep as it may be that less sheep can be put on the land in order to preserve some of the plant species or habitat.

[Pigtails]

Lovely they are! Hebridean sheep, rare little sheep, we started with six including a tup, in the last few days we have one set of twins and two single lambs thus far!
We just happen to know an expert, you can find her link from our website, "Pat Graham" has a paasion unsurpassed by anyone I know, on the subject,