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Farming in the Lake District

Herdwick sheep grazing in fields next to Tarn Hows on a summer's day
Herdwick grazing near Tarn Hows in Coniston | © National Trust Images / Annapurna Mellor

The Lake District's vast mountainous terrain is home to a long tradition of fell farming which has helped shape its iconic landscape. Together with farm tenants and commons rights holders, we are working to create a more resilient landscape which will benefit both wildlife and farming. Learn more about how we are looking after nature and keeping traditional farming methods alive here.

Two belted Galloway cows sitting in green vegetation looking towards the camera
Belted Galloways | © National Trust Images / Fiona Scully

The farming calendar

Two Herdwick sheep sitting in the grass with Wastwater and the surrounding mountains in the background on a spring day
Two Herdwick sheep by Wastwater in Wasdale | © National Trust Images/Joe Cornish

Sustaining the Lake District's Farming History

It's great to see so many farmers restoring hedgerows in the Lake District landscape. These hedges, which replace ones that have been lost over time, provide food and shelter for wildlife and livestock. There are a range of grants available for farmers to restore hedges, and volunteers often give their time to help plant them on farms

A quote by Andrea MeanwellNational Trust Lakes Future Farming Partnerships Manager

Sustainable farming landscape restoration projects

Across the Lake District, farmers are taking part in landscape recovery projects and helping bring back traditional nature friendly practices. Take a look at just some of the exciting things here.

Two calves grazing in a field at Ashness Farm in Borrowdale with views down to Derwent Water
Calves and sheep grazing at Ashness Farm in Borrowdale | © Melinda Gilhen-Baker

Ashness farm in Borrowdale

Anne at Ashness farm in Borrowdale has been working the land for over a decade, making space for nature and watching her flock of Herdwick sheep and Belted Galloway cattle flourish. She has created wetland habitat by having ponds dug in and more food for pollinators with new edible hedges and orchards being planted. Her Belted Galloways browse in the woodland pastures in Ashness wood and are part of the management of the temperate rainforest which has now been declared a National Nature Reserve. Visit their website to learn more about the farm or come and see first hand by booking your next holiday at Ashness B&B.

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A visitor carrying a backpack and walking along a footpath at Divis and the Black Mountain with stone walls either side, the countryside visible in the background.
Article
Article

Follow the Countryside Code 

Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.

Project
Project

Borrowdale Rainforest National Nature Reserve 

Find out more about the work we are doing to look after the Borrowdale Temperate Rainforest and why it has been declared a new National Nature Reserve.

Close-up of two Herdwick sheep on a fellside in Wasdale

Foundation for Commons Land and the Upland Commons Project 

Did you know that 30% of the Lake District is Common Land? With only 3% of England still classed as commons, we are proud that this traditional land management practice still has a stronghold here. Click here to learn more about the Upland Commons Project, the history of commoning and what we are doing to make sure these important stretches of land continue to support people, livestock and wildlife as they have done for centuries.