Meet the Flock
the Flock
Welcome to the heart of The Living Rug Company.
Every Living Rug® begins with one of these wonderful sheep. They are not simply part of my business – they are part of my life. Each has a name, a unique personality and a story of their own, and every rug carries a little of that story with it.
My flock began in 2011 with just four Herdwick sheep from a neighbouring farm. Over the years it grew into a wonderfully varied flock of different breeds, each chosen for its beautiful fleece and individual character.
Some of my sheep were born here on the farm, while others came from commercial farms or carefully selected breeders across the UK. A few are pedigree sheep, given to me by my husband as a wedding anniversary present, and one very determined sheep simply decided she belonged here after escaping from a neighbouring farm to join one of my flock. I couldn't bear to send her back, and she's been part of the family ever since.
Although I had very little experience with sheep when I first started, I had spent most of my life caring for horses. That lifelong experience taught me that patience, kindness and consistency are the foundations of good animal care, and those values have shaped the way I look after my flock every day. Every sheep has a home for life. As many of them are now enjoying their retirement years, I have chosen to keep a smaller flock so that I can continue giving each sheep the individual care and attention they deserve. Looking after older sheep takes more time, but it is a commitment I have always been happy to make.
I believe animals thrive when they are allowed to live naturally.
My sheep spend their lives grazing the fields on our farm on the edge of the Peak District, enjoying fresh air, open spaces and the freedom to behave as sheep should. They remain here for life and are never transported unnecessarily. If they need veterinary care, the vet comes to the farm, avoiding the stress of travelling.
Living over 1,400 feet above sea level means we experience everything from warm summer days to deep winter snow. The flock are well adapted to life outdoors, but during severe weather, after shearing, or whenever an older sheep needs a little extra care, they are brought inside or moved to more sheltered fields until conditions improve. Their welfare will always come first.
Although my flock is no longer a breeding flock, a number of sheep were born here over the years, and it has been a privilege to watch many of them grow old together. Seeing sheep live long, contented lives has reinforced something I have always believed: they are worth so much more than the products they could become. Their annual fleece provides a beautiful, renewable fibre that can be transformed into something lasting, while the sheep themselves continue enjoying the life they deserve.
I hope you enjoy meeting the flock. Every Living Rug® has its own story, and it all begins with four very special sheep.