Beatrix would surely agree that this is where they were bred to be, rather than being kept around Hill Top House, and that the sheep at Hill Top are a credit to the farmer.
If you want to see Herdwick sheep, look out for them on the higher fells in summer and the fields in the valley bottoms in spring.
The Herdwick and conservation
The current world population of Herdwicks is around 60,000 breeding females. An estimated 40,000 of these are on National Trust farms, mostly purchased by Beatrix. A recent Sheep Trust report stated that 95% of all Herdwicks are to be found within 14 miles (23km) of Coniston.
By helping to preserve important Lake District farms from unsuitable development in the early part of the 20th century, Beatrix Potter was able to play a major role in the conservation of this special breed, which is now a icon synonymous with the Lake District. Our rangers, estate managers and farm tenants continue Beatrix Potter's work conserving the Lake District today.