Petition launched to save Herdwick sheep in Lake District

An online petition has been launched to save Herdwick sheep and maintain World Heritage Status in the Lake District.

The petition, which has been created by Nigel Hollingworth, proposes the establishment of a new governance body to balance the livelihoods, way of life and interests of sheep farmers in the Lake District, whose future is at risk.

The proposed Lake District Engagement Body (LDEB) would be set by the government with remit to ensure all plans and policies are agreed, operated and managed with input from upland farmers across the Lake District World Heritage site.

This would mean any decisions are in agreement with those farmers who live and work in the area.

See also: National Trust rewilding projects leaves tenants feeling pushed out

Dr Hollingworth said: “Sheep farmers across the Lake District face a precarious future. Their very existence is under threat from Defra and its environmental policy.

“If you care about the preservation of the farming landscape for generations to come and/or have moral interests in sustaining the Lake District landscape and World Heritage site as it is, please sign the petition now before it closes.”

Dr Hollingworth wrote to King Charles this summer to raise concerns about the preservation of upland farming in the Lake District, enclosing a letter from local farmer Keith Rowand.

In his letter, Mr Rowand, who has been farming at Stool End at the top of the Langdale Valley for almost 50 years, said he fears Defra, Natural England, the National Trust and the Lake District Planning Board “appear to be striving to eliminate the Herdwick sheep breed”.

What future?

With the constant reductions in sheep numbers in the region, Mr Rowand asked whether there would be any future for young tenanted farms.

“George Trevelyan and Beatrix Potter purchased farms to consolidate the life in the valleys and to ensure the continuity of Herdwick sheep for future generations,” he said. “It would appear that the above groups are determined to reduce sheep numbers and traditional Lakeland farms.”

In response, Buckingham Palace wrote back to Dr Hollingworth on behalf of the King, explaining that he recognised the strength of feeling on this matter, but was “unable to respond personally due to the nature of his position”.

Guardian columnist George Monbiot and environmentalist Ben Goldsmith have both infuriated farmers by blaming sheep for overgrazing the uplands and arguing they should be replaced with trees.

The petition is open until 31 December 2023.