Visitors to Grasmere Sports this weekend have the chance to learn about fell farming.
Farmer Network several organisations and local farmers, will host Fellgather at the event on Sunday, August 24.
With support from the Lake District’s Farming in Protected Landscapes programme, people can meet the shepherds and the sheep that have shaped the landscape of the World Heritage Site.
The event is spearheaded by The Farmer Network in partnership with the Lake District National Park, The National Trust, The Foundation for Common Land and the Herdwick Sheep Breeders Association.
It aims to offer an insight into how farming can be balanced with nature to provide sustainable farm production whilst improving the natural environment in years to come.
Adam Day, managing director of the Farmer Network, said: “Across the Lake District shepherds work together on the high fells to gather their sheep and bring them down to the lower pastures.
“This is an age-old tradition combining unique skills and knowledge of the terrain. Our buying public is always fascinated and very supportive of the farmers when they learn about those unique farming systems.
Displays will take place throughout the day including traditional hand shearing, wool crafts and a sheep show explaining the finer points of preparing for and judging the iconic Herdwick sheep. There will also be a mock auction afterwards.
Adam added: “We’re expecting some record prices on the day as demand for our hill sheep has never been as strong!”
Claire Foster, farming officer for the Lake District National Park, said: “We will be talking about the link between hill farming, food, landscape, nature and the cultural heritage that it supports.
“It will be a great opportunity for visitors to talk to the shepherds and learn about sheep that have shaped the Lake District over many generations.
