Going native

ANNE BRUNNER-ELLIS talks to the enterprising duo behind the Dartmoor Shepherd

- ANNE BRUNNER-ELLIS

Farming was always a dream for Lewis Steer, but little did he know that his first three Dartmoor sheep – given to him by his parents for passing his GCSEs – would be the secret of his success. Lewis and partner Flora Stearson are the only remaining shepherds to farm all three of Dartmoor’s native breed sheep.

Further, they have turned a small-time hobby into a successful business selling sheepskin furnishings, accessories as well as gourmet lamb.

Neither are from farming backgrounds and with no family farm behind them, they have had to work doubly hard.

Lewis took a degree in rural land management at Cirencester Agricultural College: “I saw being a land agent as the career closest to farming.”

By the time he left Cirencester his flock had grown to 40. By then he had met Flora.

Flora’s degree, in creative media practice at Bath Spa University, has been a perfect match. “We play to our strengths,” he explains. “My agricultural background and Flora’s marketing skills are essential to the success of the company.”

The turning point came upon completion of their studies.

Lewis had done well at Cirencester, winning numerous prizes, and had been noticed by William Chase, formerly of Tyrells Crisps fame and owner of Chase Distillery.