Welcome to the
Gotland Sheep Association UK
A Friendly Group of Gotland Sheep Enthusiasts
Preserving Heritage and Excellence in Gotland Sheep Breeding
Gotland sheep in the United Kingdom.
Committee Members
Reach out to committee members - we are here to help!
Mark Rees
Chairman
Introducing Mark Rees, our Chairman at the Gotland Sheep Association UK. With his experience and unwavering commitment, he plays a pivotal role in fostering the association’s vision and objectives. Mark runs a flock of around 80 Gotland sheep in Devon and is passionate about promoting the breed, supporting members, and sharing the unique qualities and versatility of Gotland sheep with both new and established breeders across the UK.
Dawn Rees
Vice Chair
The Gotland Sheep Association UK proudly counts Dawn Rees among its prominent committee members as Vice Chair. Dawn’s profound knowledge and enthusiasm for the Gotland Sheep breed drive her efforts to oversee and enhance breeding programs, ensuring the sustainable growth and recognition of this unique sheep variety within the UK. Her contribution underscores the association’s commitment to excellence.
Magaret Skerritt
Treasurer
Magaret Skerritt serves as the Treasurer for the Gotland Sheep Association UK. With a steadfast commitment to the association's mission, she manages the financial affairs to ensure transparency, sustainability, and growth. Her experience and dedication are vital to supporting initiatives that preserve and promote the foundation of Gotland Sheep breeding standards and pedigree maintenance within the UK.
Natasha Main
Secretary
Natasha Main holds the role as the Secretary of the Gotland Sheep Association UK, Natasha brings her organizational expertise and extensive experience in the agricultural sector to support our mission. Natasha ensures effective communication within the association, manages correspondence, and helps coordinate events and activities. Her dedication to the Gotland Sheep community embodies the association's values, fostering collaboration among members. Natasha's commitment significantly contributes to the preservation and promotion of Gotland Sheep within the UK, aligning with our strategic objectives.
Ruth Ashton-Shaw
Committee Member
Ruth Ashton-Shaw serves as a Committee Member of the Gotland Sheep Association UK. Her dedication and commitment to promoting the welfare and standards of the Gotland Sheep are essential contributions to the association's mission. As a member of the committee, Ruth plays a pivotal role in guiding activities, providing valuable insights, and supporting the community of sheep enthusiasts who are passionate about preserving and celebrating the Gotland Sheep heritage in the United Kingdom.
Julia Nutter
Committee Member
Julia Nutter serves as a dedicated Committee Member within the Gotland Sheep Association UK. Her passion and expertise contribute significantly to the preservation initiatives and the cultivation of a thriving community for Gotland sheep enthusiasts across the United Kingdom.
Jodi Shadforth
Committee Member
Jodi Shadforth serves as a dedicated Committee Member of the Gotland Sheep Association UK. Jodi actively contributes to the association's mission of preserving and promoting the Gotland Sheep breed by participating in strategic decision-making processes and facilitating initiatives that support breeding programs and pedigree record maintenance. Her commitment to fostering an inclusive and knowledgeable community aligns perfectly with the association's goals. Jodi is also the secretary for the Wensleydale Association bringing a wealth of knowledge into the day to day running of the GSAUK.
Mary-Anne Cast
Committee Member
Committee Member, Mary-Anne Cast is a valued committee member of the Gotland Sheep Association UK. She lends her expertise and commitment to furthering the goals of the association, including promoting the preservation and fostering the community of Gotland Sheep enthusiasts across the United Kingdom.
The Gotland Sheep was first imported into the UK in 1972 with numbers growing year on year.
As a result of the enthusiam for the breed and the lack of a proactive association to help profile the breed the GSAUK was formed in 2025 for the benefit of the Gotland Sheep in the UK.
Average weight is 60 – 70 kg for the ewes, and 70 – 90 kg for the rams.
The Gotland Sheep in 5-6 months will ideally be able to produce 2 lambs weighing approximately 35 – 45 kg each (live weight), but of course, this can vary in flocks and different parts of the country.
The carcass must have good proportions, especially on the back, haunch and shoulder – the meat is lean, tender and close textured.
The carcass has a weight of 17 – 24 kg. The colour of the fleece must be uniform pure and clear, light to dark grey. The curl must have a regular S-shaped wavy apperance over the whole fleece with a three dimensional character. The wool from the Gotland Sheep is lustrous, soft and curly, which gives the yarn a beautiful colour and a silky lustre and softness.
What does the GSAUK Offer?
Membership Community
Become part of a friendly, transparent, all-inclusive UK based Gotland sheep network. You don't have to physically own Gotland Sheep to be a member. You may be interested in the wool, meat or pelts and wish to engage with other members within our friendly Association. There are different levels of membership to suit everyone.
Breeding Standards Definition
We define and uphold strict Gotland sheep breeding standards and are ready to assist new, young and old members with the breeding standards of your pedigree Gotland Sheep in the UK.
Pedigree Registration
Ensuring the integrity and preservation of Gotland sheep pedigrees. Register your pedigree Gotland Sheep* in our flock books. The GSAUK recognises any pedigrees from the British Gotland Sheep Society. *Subject to meeting the pedigree requirements.
Join the GSAUK
Registration/Flock Books
Click on the file below and press download
Registration Form
Please fill in the form for all registrations and send to secretary@gsauk.co.uk Registrations for members only Please note: Genotypes are only required when registering rams.
GSAUK Flock Book 2025
EXAMPLE - Click Download Here you can find a copy of the GSAUK Flock book for all registered Gotland Sheep in 2025. If you have further enquiries, please email secretary@gsauk.co.uk
GSAUK Flock Book 2026
COMING IN 2026 Here you can find a copy of the GSAUK Flock book for all registered Gotland Sheep in 2026. If you have further enquiries, please email secretary@gsauk.co.uk
Genotype Testing
This video is to assist with taking a blood sample for Genotype Testing
For breeds such as Gotland sheep, genotype testing offers several important benefits:
1. Improve Scrapie Resistance
The primary reason for genotype testing in the UK is to identify a sheep's resistance to scrapie.
Sheep inherit different versions (alleles) of the PRNP gene, resulting in genotypes such as:
- ARR/ARR – Highly resistant to classical scrapie.
- ARR/ARQ – Good resistance.
- ARQ/ARQ – Average susceptibility.
- VRQ carriers – Highly susceptible to scrapie.
2. Make Better Breeding Decisions
Knowing the genotype of both rams and ewes allows you to:
- Select the best breeding pairs.
- Avoid producing susceptible offspring.
- Gradually improve the genetic health of your flock.
- Retain valuable bloodlines while increasing disease resistance.
Many buyers actively seek genotype-tested animals, particularly rams.
Animals with favourable genotypes often:
- Sell more easily.
- Command higher prices.
- Appeal to commercial and pedigree breeders alike.
Should there ever be a scrapie outbreak or changes to breeding recommendations, having a flock with resistant genetics puts you in a much stronger position.
5. Provide Confidence to Buyers
Advertising that your sheep are genotype tested demonstrates responsible breeding and gives purchasers confidence that they are investing in healthy, well-managed stock.
6. Maintain Genetic Diversity
Genotype testing doesn't mean breeding only ARR/ARR sheep immediately. Instead, breeders can make balanced decisions that improve resistance while preserving valuable traits such as fleece quality, conformation, maternal ability and breed characteristics.
Is it worth testing?
For pedigree breeders and anyone selling breeding stock, the answer is generally yes. The relatively small cost of testing can:
- Increase the marketability of your sheep.
- Support long-term flock health.
- Help improve the breed nationally.
- Give buyers additional confidence in your breeding programme.
Breeders Directory
The GSAUK recommends that you thoroughly check the suitability of the sheep or services required. The GSAUK cannot be held responsible for any services or stock which fall below expectations
Gallery
If you have a high quality picture of Gotland Sheep and would like it added to our gallery, email web@gsauk.co.uk
Sponsorship
We are proud to work alongside the following companies sponsoring GSAUK Please click on the logos below and support our sponsors. If you would like to sponsor the GSAUK, please contact us at secretary@gsauk.co.uk
Articles
Events
If you are attending events throughout the year with your Gotland Sheep then please let us know and we will support you with leaflets, stickers and banners to help profile the Gotland Sheep in the UK.
Devon County Show
The Devon County Show is one of the South West’s premier agricultural shows and attracts top livestock exhibitors from the region and beyond.
Read More
Royal Highland Show
The Royal Highland Show is an annual event, showcasing the best of food, farming and rural life at Ingliston in Edinburgh. Thursday 18 - Sunday 21 June, 2026.
Read MoreContact
Please get in touch if you have a question. We aim to reply within 72 hours.