Portlands are a very attractive breed of sheep with a fascinating history originating from Portland Bill, a large rocky outcrop of land off the Dorset Coast.

The sheep have a unique set of characteristics that makes them particularly interesting :

- both sexes are horned, the rams having particularly impressive horns

- they can breed at any time of year, unlike most breeds,

- they tend only to have single lambs, which are born a foxy-red colour, whereas modern breeds have twins or triples,

- they're a small breed- easy to handle

- they've never been known to have the sheep disease scrapie

- they've a very fine, creamy fleece, much sought-after by hand-spinners

- the meat is renowned for its flavour