Farm Life West Cumbria

Farming in the Lake District Farming has a special place in the Lake District National Park at the heart of its communities, a core part of the economy and shaping the landscape over centuries that millions of people love to visit every year. And it has a vital part in the National Park’s future, evolving to continue to deliver high quality livestock and a healthy environment. Farming practices reflect how Lake District farmers have always worked in some of the most challenging land in the county and indeed the country. It therefore comes as no surprise that 90 percent of the designated Less Favoured Areas of Cumbria are in the Lake District. This means farming is characterised by sheep and beef production. The Lake District is famous for its native Herdwick sheep, and the Herdwick Breeders Association has secured Protected Designation of Origin status for “Lakeland Herdwick”. Other important sheep breeds include the Rough Fell, Swaledale, and North of England Mule.