FAMILY-RUN Cannon Hall Farm is hoping to start its own flock of rare breed sheep in a bid to strengthen its lambing offering and to save an at-risk sheep breed.
Cannon Hall Farm has acquired four Valais Blacknose lambs and their mothers, and hope to eventually have their own flock of the distinctive sheep - which have long fleece and black faces - for visitors to view.
The breed has been in jeopardy several times in the last 50 years and - due to its rarity - the farm is hoping to eventually create its own flock.
Director Robert Nicholson said: “It’s a fascinating story because the lambs don’t look anything like their mums.
“We’ve explained to all our visitors this is because the lambs have been embryo transplanted into the recipient ewes, which become their mother.
“We have got another pregnant ewe who has been embryo transplanted with triplets and she’s due in March - this is to attempt to ensure the survival of this magnificent breed, so we’re keeping everything crossed for a good outcome.
“These sheep are incredibly rare - their stocks were pretty much decimated during the war years and farmers have been working ever since to try to replenish the stocks. We’re really proud to have something so unusual at Cannon Hall Farm and we really hope our visitors enjoy seeing them and hearing all about them.”
Cannon Hall Farm has been run by the Nicholson family as a tourist attraction since 1989. The farm has a very popular Facebook page and broadcasts live regularly to audiences of up to half a million people - and is now preparing for its popular lambing festival which runs between February 10 and 25.
“The Valais Blacknose lambs will be on view in our roundhouse for visitors to see and we will be doing live broadcasts every morning to keep everyone up to date with all the new arrivals - we’ve got hundreds of sheep due to give birth in the space of a few weeks so there will be plenty to see.”
