Rough Fell facts for kids
The Rough Fell is a special type of sheep that lives in the mountains and hills of England. It comes from an area called the Cumbrian Fells. These sheep are very tough and can handle cold, windy weather. They are one of the biggest mountain sheep breeds in Britain. Farmers mostly raise Rough Fell sheep for their meat.
Contents
What Makes Rough Fell Sheep Special?
Rough Fell sheep are easy to spot! They have a wide white patch across their black faces. Both the male sheep (called rams) and the female sheep (called ewes) have horns. These horns help them protect themselves in the wild.
How Big Are They?
Rough Fell sheep are quite large for mountain sheep.
- An adult female sheep (ewe) usually weighs about 50 kilograms (110 pounds).
- An adult male sheep (ram) can weigh around 80 kilograms (176 pounds).
Where Do Rough Fell Sheep Live?
These sheep are very common on farms in the fells and moorlands. These are high, open areas with not many trees. You can find them in places like South Cumbria, parts of Yorkshire, and North Lancashire in England. They are also found in some hilly parts of Devon. Their name, "Rough Fell," shows how well they live in these tough, rocky places.
Surviving in the Mountains
Rough Fell sheep are known for being very hardy. This means they are strong and can live in difficult conditions. Even when the weather is bad, they don't need to be kept inside a barn. Their thick woolly coats keep them warm and protected.
A mother sheep (ewe) can raise her lambs even when there isn't much good food. They mostly eat the tough grasses and heather found on the moorland.
How Farmers Use Rough Fell Sheep
Farmers use Rough Fell sheep in a few ways.
- Pure Breeding: Many farmers keep them to breed more Rough Fell sheep. This helps keep the breed strong and healthy.
- Crossing with Other Breeds: Sometimes, farmers breed Rough Fell sheep with other types of sheep. This helps pass on their toughness and ability to live in the mountains to the new lambs.
