TheRough Fell is anupland breed ofsheep originating inEngland.[1] It is common onfell andmoorland farms, its distribution embracing a large proportion of SouthCumbria, parts of theWest Riding ofYorkshire, NorthLancashire and, more recently, upland parts ofDevon. It is very hardy and, as its name suggests, has proved to be well-suited to endure the hardships of exposed and high moorland and mountains. It is one of the largest mountain breeds in Britain.[2] This breed is raised primarily formeat.[3]
The rough is a dual-purpose commercial breed. Its wool is used for carpet and mattress making and, as it is one of the biggest hill breeds, it is sold for its meat as well. Mature ewes weigh 70 kilograms (150 lb) on average and rams 90 kilograms (200 lb)[4] As hill sheep roam freely over hundreds of acres of communal grazing on open fell land, their meat is as near to that of a wild animal as one can get in a farmed animal.
The hardy constitution of the breed enables a ewe to mother and rear her lambs whilst feeding mainly on the poor upland grasses and heathers found on her native moorland. Because of the type offleece, the breed requires no housing, even in the most inclement weather.
Rough Fell sheep can be recognised for the broad white patch across their black faces, and both rams and ewes are horned. They are mostly used by farmers on their native fell farms for pure breeding, but many are used for crossing with other breeds, contributing their hardiness and adaptation to upland conditions.
The ‘Rough’ is probably descended, along with its ‘cousins’ theScottish Blackface, theSwaledale, theDalesbred and theLonk, from a sheep called, the ‘black faced heath breed’, mentioned in William Youatt's ‘Mountain Shepherds Manual’ in 1837 and 1883. This heath breed was the main sheep breed across most of the north of England and south of Scotland for 500 years and already had the distinctive black face and legs, curled horns and thick white fleece. However there are memories of some rough fell flicks being bred byHerdwick sheep associated with theLake District.
The breed's full name was originally the ‘Kendal or Middleton Rough Fell’, due to the fact that it evolved on the rough fells surroundingKendal. Nearly all the total flock is kept within a 30 mile radius of Kendal, making it a very specialised local breed.
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