Sheepflock 'de Westkust'
Sheepflock 'de Westkust' is located in Ouddorp, at the tip of the island Goeree-Overflakkee, more than 500 kilometers away from the birthplace of the Herdwicks. At Stal de Westkust, the well-being of the sheep is paramount. We breed on a hobbyist and small-scale basis to preserve the Herdwick breed in
The Netherlands.
Health is very important to us. We regularly conduct worm tests and rotate the pastures to prevent unnecessary deworming. We have a bond with all our animals: they are not numbers, and each has a name and a unique personality. The character of each animal is different, making it enjoyable to get to
know them.
Our flock consists of about 20 ewes. None of the lambs are sent to slaughter; they are only sold to trusted homes where we have confidence in their care. Our breeding rams are never alone, ensuring they always have companionship. For us, the intrinsic value of the animal comes first, and we care for them with
love and respect.
Natural Grazing
Ouddorp is situated between the North Sea, Haringvliet, and Grevelingen.
Here, you will find a beautiful landscape of dikes, dunes, small fields, earthen walls, and sparse meadows: an excellent place for Herdwick sheep. Year-round, the Herdwick sheep graze in various locations in and around Ouddorp. Our Herdwicks contribute to a grazing project for the Zuid-Hollands Landschap, helping to protect the unique nature of the 'Kleistee'.
Tups from the Lake District
At the Westkust sheep flock, two rams are currently being used to maintain the Herdwick breed in the Netherlands. Mats and Mason are rams imported from the Lake District, thus preserving our connection with the Herdwicks in the Lake District.
Mats is a beautiful and gentle ram from the Dickinson Brockstones flock.
Mason, an impressive yet modest ram, was recently added to the flock. His bloodline traces back to Weir’s Chapel Farm in Borrowdale.
April: Lambing time
Herdwicks can lamb independently and are excellent at raising their lambs themselves. Herdwicks start lambing a bit later in the season than most other sheep breeds, usually around the beginning of April.
Most ewes lamb in the early morning, preferably outside in a sheltered spot. When the lambs are born, it is important that they drink colostrum within the first few hours, as it contains the antibodies they need to survive. Fortunately, Herdwicks are strong, and this process usually happens naturally. Many lambs are able to stand on their feet within a few minutes.
Interested?
At Stal de Westkust, Herdwicks are bred with a focus on the health and well-being of the animals. Breeding involves various English bloodlines, and all animals are registered in the studbook of the VSS (Association of Special Sheep Breeds) and meet the breed standard.
If you have any questions or are interested in Herdwick sheep, please feel free to contact us for more information. For sales, we work with a waiting list, which you can join by emailing: info@herdwickschapen.nl
Basic Needs
For keeping sheep, it's important to consider the following:
1. Sheep are herd animals
Sheep are social animals that thrive best in a flock. It’s essential to keep
them with at least two or three other sheep.
2. Sufficient pasture with good fencing
Provide enough space for grazing and movement.
The fencing should be sturdy, safe, and high enough.
3. Shade and shelter
Sheep need protection from strong sunlight, so a shelter or
trees for shade are essential.
4. Fresh drinking water and minerals
Always provide fresh drinking water. A mineral bucket containing copper provides Herdwick sheep with essential minerals, vitamins, and trace elements.
5. Regular care
Regular care includes hoof trimming, deworming or rotational grazing, vaccinations, and veterinary visits if necessary.
