The Blackdown Flock of Pedigree Poll Dorsets is a closed flock of superior genetic merit, with high health status. It is managed using modern methods and tools, making the most of their traditional characteristics.

Located a few miles to the east of the Wellington Monument on the scarp slope of the northern Blackdown Hills, the farm is registered in the Environmentally Sensitive Area Scheme, which supports maintaining the fields and hedgerows in a traditional fashion. At between 800 and 1000 feet above sea level, the farm sits high within this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The farm is a member of Linking the Environment and Farming (LEAF) and has been with Devon Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG). 

The farm is permanent grassland, uses practically no fertiliser, and only spot sprays to manage invasive weeds, mainly wind sown thistle.  Soil trace elements are analysed every ten years and supplemented, if needed.

Minimum input, of every type, mean that the flock has to work hard to earn its keep; making it lean and hardy, yet healthy. Lambing only in the autumn; outside on grass, where they are then reared, ensures the out of season lambing characteristics are retained.  Using replacement ewes just from a multiple birth, with similar very high index rams, maintains a commercial high lambing percentage.

Updated: January 2012