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The Lost Flock

Rare Wool, Wild Isles and One Woman’s Journey to Save Scotland’s Original Sheep

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The Lost Flock

By: Jane Cooper
Narrated by: Jane Cooper
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About this listen

The Lost Flock is the story of the remarkable and rare little horned sheep, known as Orkney Boreray, and the wool-obsessed woman who moved to one of Scotland’s wildest islands to save them.

It was Jane Cooper’s passion for knitting that led her to discover the world of rare-breed sheep and their wool. Through this, Jane uncovered the ‘Orkney Borerary’–a unique group within the UK’s rarest breed of sheep, the Boreray, and one of the few surviving examples of primitive sheep in northern Europe.

As her knowledge of this rarest of heritage breeds grew, she took the bold step to uproot her quiet suburban life in Newcastle and relocate to Orkney, embarking on a new adventure and life as farmer and shepherd.

Jane was astonished to find that she was the sole custodian of this lost flock in the world, and so she began investigating their mysterious and ancient history, tracking down the origins of the Boreray breed and its significance to Scotland’s natural heritage.

From Viking times to Highland crofts and nefarious research experiments in Edinburgh, this is a so-far untold real-life detective story. It is also the story of one woman’s relentless determination to ensure a future for her beloved sheep, and in doing so revealing their deep connection to the Scottish landscape.

An unforgettable story of a heritage breed and the importance of its existence.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2023 Jane Cooper (P)2023 Chelsea Green Publishing Company
Animals Crafts & Hobbies Great Britain Scotland Highlander
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Fascinating story, beautifully told

Jane Cooper tells her own story and that of her flock in a way which is endlessly fascinating, honest and thought-provoking. Combining edge-of-the-seat drama with well-constructed scientific, historical and ecological summary, she draws the reader in to discover the incredible story of The Lost Flock. At once personal and political, this is a must for anyone interested in textiles, the environment, farming, natural history and the power of community. The range of issues covered is as wide as the sweeping, panoramic views of its setting in beautiful Orkney. Above all, it is a hopeful work which shows the possibilities for a different, kinder, more local way of living.

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A wonderful story of sheep survival

A really interesting and inspiring story of one person’s achievement in securing the survival of a primitive sheep type. Describing wonderfully the work, hardships and rewards of living on a remote Northern island.

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Interesting book let down by narration

The content of the story was really interesting but the author did her own work a huge disservice by not using a professional narrator. A book I would normally devour in a couple of sittings took months to wade through as I could only bear the flat narration and swallowing noises (!) for an hour or so at a time. This may be a book you prefer to read.

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