Centuries of farming and food production have helped create the distinctive Lake District countryside we see today.
In the Coniston area we work closely with our tenant farmers to ensure these landscapes will remain vibrant places for people, wildlife and livestock long into the future.
© National Trust / Tony West
Landscapes shaped by farming
The Lakeland fells are famed for their dramatic mix of ancient woodland and vast open hillsides. However, several thousand years ago it would have been very different, with dense tree cover from the valley bottoms right up to the high slopes.
These forests started to be cleared by Norse settlers in the 10th century. They were the first true Lake District farmers and began the tradition of sheep and cattle grazing that still dominates the area today.
The Lakes have the largest concentration of common land in Britain. Many Lake District farmers make use of traditional common land rights to feed their animals over wide areas. Six National Trust tenant farms around Coniston graze their sheep in this way.
One of Coniston's most famous farmers was Beatrix Potter. Beatrix invested the money she earned from her stories in buying farms that she felt would otherwise go to developers. Locally she purchased the Monk Coniston Estate in 1930.
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She became well known for the breeding of Herdwick sheep and won many prizes. On her death she left all of her farms, cottages and flocks of sheep to the National Trust. |
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The importance of Herdwick sheep
Herdwick sheep are widely considered to be the most hardy of all Britain's breeds of hill sheep. They are a rare breed, native to the Lake District. Over hundreds of years they've adapted in order to survive the harsh upland conditions here, and can remain on the fells throughout the winter.
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Herdwicks are 'hefted', which means they have a natural homing instinct, evolved over generations. They tend not to stray too far when grazing large unfenced areas, good for farmers! |
Herdwick wool is also very tough and hard-wearing and can make great carpets. Our central office in Swindon is carpeted throughout using wool from Herdwick sheep!
Helping our tenants
Upland farming can be a challenging business. The National Trust is committed to supporting our tenants, working with them to help develop their farms and diversify.
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Here in Coniston, Yew Tree Farm (once owned by Beatrix Potter), has branched out into new enterprises. It now runs a B&B and a tea-room, using locally sourced food. It also sells mail order Herdwick lamb and Belted Galloway beef. |
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Find out more about food and farming in the Lakes
We organise educational activities and events where you can discover what it is like to live and work on a Lakeland fell farm. For further information, please contact our Food and Farm Learning Officer.
© NTPL/ David Levenson
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