THE Herdwick Sheep Breeders’ Association, the Farmer Network and the National Trust invite members of the public to meet the shepherds and the sheep that have shaped the Lake District’s World Heritage Site over generations.

The event, on Sunday, June 25 at Nook Farm in Rosthwaite, will give visitors the opportunity to have a guided tour of this traditional Lake District hill farm. This will include talks about Herdwick sheep and farming in the Lake District, demonstrations of sheep dog handling, shearing and dry stone walling. Herdwick crafts will be displayed in the nearby Borrowdale Institute where tea and coffee will be available. The event will take place from 11.00am to 3.30pm and is free of charge.

At 1pm in the Borrowdale Institute, local chef David Jackson, will be doing a free Borrowdale Herdwick tasting session. This will be using Herdwicks reared at Yew Tree Farm and David will be providing tastings of Herdwick lamb and pasties. Yew Tree Farm runs the Flock In café at Rosthwaite and Borrowdale Herdwick can also be bought on-line.

Will Rawling, Chairman of the Herdwick Sheep Breeders Association, “We look forward to welcoming visitors to Nook Farm to experience a traditional Lakeland farm and meet our Herdwick sheep – the native breed of the Lake District.”

Andrea Meanwell of the National Trust said: “This is a great opportunity for the public to meet our native sheep and shepherds and we look forward to meeting everyone there.”

Adam Day, managing director of the Farmer Network said: “Our Fell Gather events are always a great opportunity to showcase the benefits that sheep farming brings to the economy and environment of Cumbria. We are very grateful to our host farmer, Craig Fearon and partner Faye, for opening up their farm and to their neighbours at Yew Tree Farm and the Flock In Café for their help.”

For more information, please contact The Farmer Network on: Tel: 01768 868615 or email: admin@thefarmernetwork.co.uk

Sensible footwear is advised and clothing suitable for the weather.