Portal:Cumbria/Selected article/3

The Herdwick is a heritage breed of domestic sheep native to the Lake District of Cumbria in North West England. Heritage sheep breeds are defined as those that are geographically concentrated in a single region, environmentally adapted to that region and genetically distinct. Importantly heritage sheep breeds are not rare, they are commercially farmed, exist in substantial numbers and play a really important role in economic and environmental sustainability of their regions. The name "Herdwick" is derived from the Old Norse herdvyck, meaning sheep pasture. Though low in lambing capacity and wool quality when compared to more common commercial breeds such as Merino sheep, Herdwicks are prized for their robust health, their ability to live solely on forage, and their tendency to be territorial and not to stray over the difficult upland terrain of the Lake District. An integral part of the cultural identity of the Lake District, 95% of all Herdwicks are found around the Coniston Fells.

Severely threatened by the 2001 outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in England and Wales, the breed has survived due to the intent to preserve this unique animal as a crucial part of traditional Lakeland agriculture. Still far less in number than most commercial breeds, Herdwicks survive largely due to farming subsidies and the aid of the British National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty. (more...)