English National Sheepdog Trials return to Filleigh

Andy Keeble Thursday, February 28, 2013
9:01 AM

North Devon to host prestigious event for second time in five years.

The 2009 English National Sheepdog Trials at Filleigh's Castle Hill Estate were deemed a huge success.

FILLEIGH’S Castle Hill Estate will host the International Sheep Dog Society’s English National Sheepdog Trials for the second time in five years this summer.

The historic home of the Earl and Countess of Arran will welcome dogs and their handlers – and thousands of visitors – during a weekend of competition from Friday, July 19-21.

Castle Hill hosted a successful event in 2009, the first ever trials held in North Devon in the competition’s 140-year history.

Joint facilitators David Kennard and Rob Hawke said the success of the event in 2009 had made a ‘lasting impact’ in North Devon.

The course is set to be the same as that in 2009 and the sheep will be Romney and Romney-cross.

This year’s trials are being supported by Mole Valley Farmers and will also feature a country fair on behalf of North Devon Hospice.