Rare sheep featured in new book (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Rare sheep featured in new book

CHILDREN in west Wiltshire could be hearing a tale about a special breed of sheep which survives on seaweed.

A new initiative by the Wiltshire branch of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust is trying to raise awareness in schools of domestic breeds that are under threat of extinction.

The Trust has produced a new book introducing school children to rare breed species. Called The Seaweed Sheep, it is specifically targeting primary school children in west Wiltshire and follows the adventures of two inquisitive North Ronaldsay sheep, Pebbles and his mum, Freckles.

The North Ronaldsay breed evolved in the Orkney Islands and its most distinctive characteristic is living on a diet of seaweed for most of the year.

Tony Chambers, chairman of Wiltshire RBST support group, said: "Pigs, sheep, cattle, horses, goats and chickens supported by the Trust need looking after as much as castles or wild flowers."

Trust member Alison Abbott, who keeps a small flock of North Ronaldsay sheep in Winsley, said: "There have been some great success stories with rare breeds thanks to the Trust and hopefully the book will raise more awareness."