Herdwick Sheep.

Herdwick Sheep.

The Herdwick is a traditional breed of domestic sheep native to the mountainous Lake District of Cumbria in North West England.The name “Herdwick” is derived from the Old Norse herdvyck. It means “sheep pasture” and is recorded in documents dating back to the 12th century. The origin of the breed itself is unknown, but the most common theory is that the ancestors of Herdwick sheep were introduced by early Norse settlers.

In the latter half of her life, the childrens author Beatrix Potter was involved with keeping and breeding Herdwicks, even acting as president of the breed association for a time. Between 1930 and 1938 she won a number of prizes for Herdwick ewes at shows across Cumbria. Upon her death in 1943, she bequeathed 15 farms – approximately a total sum of 4,000 acres to the National Trust, and per her instructions all continue to graze Herdwick flocks.

Herdwick Sheep. belongs to the following groups:

Former DPF Members, North West UK, UK National Parks and United Kingdom