Sheep Breeds

       One of the most amazing books to give reason to take walks around England and Wales was published by Drive Publications Limited for the Automobile Association in 1975.  It is titled No Through Road : The AA Book Of Country Walks. It was published in three parts.  The first was "Walking in Britain", the second was "Selected Walks", and the third was "Walker's Handbook" from which the following is taken. On page 63 it shows the main breeds of sheep and states, "There are more than 40 breeds of sheep in the British Isles, classified into hill breeds, long wools and short wools."  The following is a copy of this page.

      This copy lists three breeds which would fit the area of Old Oswestry.  These are the Welsh Mountain, the Blackface, and the Shropshire breeds.  The Blackface is given as having flowing wool. The Welsh Mountain breed is noted to be hardy and agile which would be especially helpful in these hills. Finally, the Shropshire breed is noted to produce rams which would help keep things going.  All three breeds would seem helpful to keep around.