If you’ve ever stayed at our little corner of the world here at Quabbs, you’ll know the hills aren’t the only thing with character. Our flock of Zwartbles sheep—black-coated beauties with white socks and sweet faces—bring as much life to the farm as the sunrise over Offa’s Dyke.
Let me tell you a bit about these sheep, because they’re not just livestock—they’re a cast of characters in their own right.
A Brief History of the Zwartbles
Originally from the Friesland region of the Netherlands (yes, land of clogs and windmills), Zwartbles were traditionally used as dual-purpose sheep—bred for both milk and meat. Their name means “black with a blaze,” which is exactly what you get: jet-black wool and a striking white stripe down their face, with matching white-tipped tails and dainty white socks.
They’re relatively new to the UK, arriving in the 1990s, but they’ve settled in beautifully here in the Welsh hills. With their tall, elegant frames, soft personalities, and teddy-bear good looks, they’ve won the hearts of farmers and smallholders alike.
The Good, the Great… and the Slightly Greedy
Zwartbles are known for being friendly, maternal, and easy to handle—which makes them ideal for our hands-on, small-scale setup. Their lambs are lively and fast-growing, and they’re often excellent mothers (although they can be a bit too attentive if you happen to wander past the field with a dog in tow).
But, like all breeds, they’ve got their quirks. That lush black fleece? Stunning—but not the most sought-after by commercial wool buyers. And those long legs and large frames? Gorgeous, but they do mean the girls like their grub. Which brings us neatly to…
Meet the Flock Stars
We’ve got a few real personalities in the flock—sheep who are as much part of Quabbs as the hills themselves:
Rose – Our matriarch. If the flock were a novel, Rose would be on the cover in all her queenly glory. She’s calm, wise, and an incredible mum, always producing strong, healthy lambs. She knows her job and does it beautifully.
Lagatha – Rose’s sister and protector of all things small and woolly. Fiercely maternal, she channels her inner Viking shieldmaiden if she thinks one of her lambs is in danger. Don’t let her catch you peeking into the lambing pen without permission!
Pearl (aka Porky Pearl) – Oh, Pearl. Never not hungry, always slightly rounder than she should be, and the first to come running when a bucket appears. She has the look of a sheep who’s carrying quintuplets… even when she’s not expecting at all.
Kitty (aka Kitty Biscuit!) – A bottle-fed lamb turned biscuit bandit. Kitty will spot a ginger nut in your pocket from 50 paces and charm it right out of your hand. She’s affectionate, nosy, and believes she’s a Labrador in sheep’s clothing.
Harmony – The gentlest soul of them all. Harmony is my granddaughter’s favourite, and it’s not hard to see why. She’s sweet-natured, quietly curious, and has the softest expression. If you ever need a moment of peace, go sit near Harmony.
Life With the Zwartbles
Looking after this flock is a bit like hosting a family reunion every day a few are shouting, someone’s got a twig stuck in their fleece, and one’s off giving birth in the corner. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.
There’s something grounding about working alongside animals with such presence and personality. They remind you to slow down, to laugh (usually at your own expense), and to keep a ginger biscuit or two in your coat pocket—just in case.
So next time you’re watching the mist roll over the hills from the cabin porch, spare a thought for the woolly ladies just beyond the hedge. They’re part of the magic here at Quabbs. And if you hear a loud baa? That’s probably Pearl demanding dinner.