The sheep that changed farming forever is in a fight for survival

The farm is basking in the warmth of summer.

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Field margins are a blast of colourful wildflowers and the soundtrack of the season is the constant hum of a distant combine harvester working its way across the landscape. The most important part of the year for arable farmers is in full swing and soon the crops will be safely gathered in.

Meanwhile, on sheep farms up and down the country, shearing is now just a memory and plans are already being made for tupping, when the ram is put to the ewes. But for owners of one of Britain's historic rare breeds, the outlook is far less sunny. The number of Leicester longwool sheep has dropped so dramatically that there's now a warning of extinction for this cherished part of our farming heritage.