Sheep farming helps turn life around for Dartmoor man

Stephen Keighley, a relatively new sheep farmer from Sampford Spiney on Dartmoor, has found farming to be a lifeline for his mental health. 

The 52-year-old, who started his farming journey in 2019, admits that tending to his flock of rare breed sheep has given him a renewed sense of purpose and connection with nature.

Growing up in Cornwall, Stephen spent many years working in high-pressure sales environments in London, which eventually took its toll on his well-being. 

“The stress eventually caught up with me,” Stephen shared, explaining that he had lost his way and struggled to settle into anything fulfilling. 

In search of a new chapter, he returned to the South West.

“My friend, a farmer, asked if I could hand-rear a lamb. I did, and from that point, I knew this was what I needed to do,” he continued. 

“I began buying other sheep and before long, I had my own little flock. They gave me a purpose and helped me reconnect with nature after years in city offices.”

Now, with a flock of 41 sheep, Stephen has turned his passion into a business. 

In addition to the wool, he is working on producing naturally dyed plants to handle the abundance of fleece his sheep produce each year, and plans to sell hogget meat soon.

His rare breed flock, including breeds like Devon & Cornwall Longwools, Devon Closewools, Whiteface Dartmoors, and a few Greyface Dartmoors, have thrived on Dartmoor, improving the land and promoting biodiversity. 

ABOVE: Stephen's flock of sheep

“Rare breeds are my passion,” he said. 

“Their plight for survival really touched me. In a world with faster growing commercial meat breeds these rare breeds are in danger of disappearing from our landscapes.”

Stephen's commitment to these local breeds is driven by his love for the Devon area, as well as their potential to support biodiversity.

“All but the Greyface Dartmoors are on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust's watchlist for 2025,” he said.

As Stephen looks ahead, he’s proud of the journey that began with a single lamb and hopes his story will inspire others who are looking for purpose and peace.

“Farming has truly saved me,” he said. 

“It’s been so good for my mental health.”