Lonk

Lonk sheep are a traditional hill breed of the southern Pennines, especially the high ground of Lancashire, Yorkshire, and Derbyshire. They are a hardy black-faced, horned breed, larger and heavier than many neighboring hill sheep, with a white fleece and a strong frame for rough upland grazing. The breed developed where sheep had to travel over wet moorland, lamb outdoors, and maintain themselves on coarse grasses and heather. Lonk lambs are valued for meat, and the wool has historically been a useful hill fleece rather than a fine specialty fiber.

Flocks of Lonks are commonly managed in hefted or semi-hefted upland systems, with wintering and lambing practices adjusted to local weather and available in-bye pasture. Their horns and hill temperament call for calm handling facilities, but good Lonks are tough, motherly sheep when managed in the country they were bred for. Foot health, mineral supplementation, and control of ticks or other upland parasites matter in wet Pennine conditions. Conservation-minded breeders also watch breed character, because crossing can quickly blur the size, face markings, horns, and hardiness that distinguish a true Lonk.