Herwick Sheep

The Herdwick Sheep is synonamous with the Lake District. This hardy high fell breed is capable of surviving the harsh winter weather in Cumbria and exists in the poor vegetated hill parstures where other breed would not fair well. It has had a tough time in recent years, at risk from foot and mouth and also a drop in demand for its fleece. Keeping the breed for meat is barely viable either any more. However, there is a great deal of support in the region to ensure the long term survival of the breed which was initially started by Beatrix Potter who left all her Lakeland farms to the National Trust on the condition that they ensure the breed is always bred on them.