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A couple of first-generation farmers on a project to revive Dartmoor’s rare local sheep has opened their first store.
Lewis Steer and Flora Searson, the only shepherds in the world who domesticated the 3 ancient breeds of moors: Greyface Dartmoor, Whiteface Dartmoor and Devon and Cornwall Longwool, presented their own business, The Dartmoor Shepherd, in July 2016.
Using the wonderful and exclusive sheepskins of their 800-person herd, the couple sells a wide variety of interior pieces and luxury accessories, adding carpets, door bumpers, poufs, footrests and handbags, as well as producing their own slow-growing lawn. -fed lamb, sold to the consumer.
Previously available online and at various retailers, the public can now explore the couple’s full diversity of sheepskin products at The Dartmoor Shepherd store, which opened in the center of bustling Chagford Square last month.
The couple said: “We are surely very happy to have opened our first store in downtown Chagford Town Square. It is very convenient that the shop is in Chagford, because most of our herds graze in the parish.
“While opening a store was not part of our plan, when our industry displays and retail sales across the country were canceled due to COVID-19, we seize the opportunity when the lease came.
“So far, this has been a wonderful good fortune and has earned very well through locals and tourists alike. It is glorious to meet so many other people from all over the country who realize our sheepskin pieces made with our own herds.
Leasing 300 acres to ten other owners, Lewis brought to farming in the form of 3 Greyface Dartmoor sheep, donated through their parents as a compliment for their smart effects on their GCSEs.
Lewis and Flora met at a small café in Chagford at the age of 16 and then at universities that were finishing their careers, and at the end of their studies they were eager to return together to create a local, sustainable and high quality agricultural company, and that’s how The Dartmoor Shepherd came into action.
Dartmoor Shepherd Store, located at 1 The Market House, will be open from 10 a. m. 5 p. m. , Thursday through Saturday, and can also be opened at other times of the week, adapting to the responsibilities of the couple’s herd.
For more details, visit the website www. thedartmoorshepherd. co. uk