If you would like to become a member of the Society, please complete and return the Membership Application Form.
Please see below for information about some of the Devon Closewool breeders who may have stock available for sale.
Richard, Pat & Martin Burge, Haxton Down Farm, Bratton Fleming, Barnstaple
Our flock of Devon Closewool sheep was founded in 1924 and now we are on the 4th generation to keep them here on the edge of Exmoor.
The farm rises to over 1200 ft and we find our pure and cross bred sheep respond well.
Our society is friendly and welcomes all to join in with all that goes on and welcomes new showers to the local shows.
We sometimes have sheep for sale and if you come from a distance we do B&B.
Please contact us if you have any queries, telephone 01598 710275 or email haxtondownfarm@btconnect.com
G Dart & Sons, Great Champson Farm, Molland South Molton, North Devon EX36 3ND
The Champson flock of Devon Closewool sheep was established in 1946 and has been farmed by the Dart family at Molland, on the edge of Exmoor on land which rises to 1100 feet. Ewes are wintered out at this height and come home to lamb outside in the more sheltered fields around the farm. The aim, in the last 15 – 20 years has been to breed a commercial ewe with length, good fleshing and ease of lambing. Their quiet temperament goes without saying which makes them an ideal sheep for the smallholder or for children wanting to start their own flock.
Breeding stock is often available and potential buyers are invited to visit the farm to view the sheep and also the herd of pedigree Red Ruby Devon Cattle. Enquiries to Richard Dart on 01769 550400 or 07592 345729.
Mrs J Kingdon, West Whitefield, Challacombe, Barnstaple
Flock 78 was established in 1951. A hardy, closed flock, running up the to 1000ft above sea level. Prizes have been won at shows for many years, including the Society Flock Competition a number of times. Rams are sold at the Annual Devon Closewool Show and Sale at Blackmoor Gate. Contact Jean on 01598 763433.
P&S Lindsay, Holmes Farm, Hatherleigh, Okehampton, EX20 3LF
The flock was started by Patricia Lindsay in Northamptonshire c1968; with 14 ewes purchased at Blackmoor Gate and a ram from Albert Cook. When my sister and I moved to Hatherleigh in 1982 the Closewools came too and were subsumed into the farming partnership of P&S Lindsay.
Slaughtered out by Foot and Mouth, Patricia restocked with ewes from Mr Kingdom, who was retiring and Messrs Boyles of Brayford. The flock has improved fertility by only breeding from twins. Closewool “Specials” have also been bred using a Border Leicester ram.
Mrs Hazel Marks, 131 Binscombe, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 3QL
WESTBURY FLOCK, established 1993, reared in the heart of the Surrey Hills. Much attention devoted to breeding lines with good type, wool quality and strong conformation. The Westbury Flock is represented successfully in the show ring both locally and further afield. Stock offered at the Breed Society Sale and sold privately – Enquiries welcome to Hazel Marks 01483 424527.
Jim Rowe, The Homestead, Downwood Farm, Shobdon, Herefordshire
Small flock based in Herefordshire. Aiming to breed true to type, show quality stock. Enquiries welcome – telephone Jim: 07973 817701.
Mrs Sally Vergette, Coombe Farm, Highampton, Beaworthy, Devon, EX21 5LJ
Coombe Farm is a small traditional organic farm [not certified]. We have a small old fashioned flock and breed for quality wool and meat. I use and sell wool for handspinning, it is easy for beginners and suitable for knitting and weaving. We sell ewe lambs for breeding and lamb boxes [free delivery in West Devon]. Our Devon Closewools are docile, tame and hardy sheep that thrive on our wet clay ground.
Contact Sally Vergette on 01837 810 349 or email: vergettesally@gmail.com
