3 Herdwick Sheep

For me they are synonymous with the Lake District area - a place I treasure and which holds happy memories of family holidays. We've just come back from a week in Keswick - this year I did Blencathra, last year was Helvellyn and 2024 was Scafell Pike!

But a bit about Herdies.

They were thought to have been introduced to the area in the 11th century by the Vikings - my entry isn't a history lesson, but that's kind of amazing! 

They are incredibly resilient to the harsh weather conditions in the Lakes and can survive being buried in snow for days. They roam the fells, huddle against dry stone walks, I've seen them being herded back to the lower ground in the autumn and seen them being born in the spring. And they are very, very cute!

Alison Cole