SIX black sheep, all rams, have been ferried across to Looe Island by the Cornwall Wildlife Trust. They have been put there in the hope they will eventually graze down the 'rank' overgrown grassland, which will allow other plants to breathe and bloom. The tough and rare Hebridean sheep are from the trust's own flock kept at Helman Tor, near Bodmin, and, if they settle well into their new environment, it is hoped they can be joined by ewes to form the island's own flock. The woolly invasion took place on Wednesday from West Looe quay, when the sheep were put into a specialised crate built for Newquay Zoo to transport a panther. The crate was then lifted aboard The Island Boat, skippered by Tim Corkhill, and the sheep began their short sea journey. On landing, the sheep were taken to a pen, about the size of a tennis court, which has been constructed especially for them. Callum Deveney, trust reserve manager, said the sheep will be released once they have settled. 'They should thrive and do really well,' he said. Island residents Gus and Sheila Ravine are very pleased with their new neighbours. The couple have lived there for some time, having previously cared for their friend, Babs Atkins, the island's owner, who died earlier in the year, and is buried there. She left the island to the trust so that it would remain a reserve for the nature she so loved.