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Sheep
Hill Radnor
2008 Watchlist; Category 3, Vulnerable.
The Hill Radnor is a hardy hill sheep with a long history attached to the central marches of Wales, and the breed remains predominantly in the area around Brecon. A Breed Society was formed in 1949.
The Hill Radnor has a light brown face and legs, free from wool. The profile of the head is slightly aquiline, with a grey/brown muzzle. The rams are horned, with horns of varying size, but ewes naturally polled.
Compared to some other hill breeds, the fleece is white and dense, with a fine staple, and is popular with local hand-spinners and weavers. The ewes have a strong maternal instinct and when crossed with other breeds can produce productive halfbred ewes or prime quality lamb from either hill or lowland pastures. Like many hill breeds they are thrifty and good foragers.