Go Herdwick
Herdwick sheep are as much a part of the Lake District as the lakes, the fells and the rain. They are the native breed of the central and western Lake District and live on the highest of England’s mountains. They are a point of interest for first time visitors to the Lake District and they are about to attract a whole lot more attention.
Up to 50 life sized elaborately decorated artificial ewes are popping across Keswick, Grasmere, Ambleside and Windermere as part of a public art trail organised by the Lake District Calvert Trust.
The Lake District Calvert Trust provide challenging outdoor adventure holidays and experiences for people with disabilities and welcomes more than 3,000 people each year to its residential centre overlooking Bassenthwaite Lake.
The Herdwicks, which will go on display over Easter, haven’t been decorated by different artists and sponsored by individuals, companies and organisations. They will be taking up residents in parks, on streets and buildings, in shops, cafes and restaurants before eventually being rounded up in the autumn and auctioned off.
The money raised will help found the £1.3million redevelopment of Old Windebrowe, the Calvert Trusts grade II listed farmhouse and tithe barn which was once the home of Cumbrian poet William Wordsworth.
The redevelopment will deliver six specialised apartments suitable for stroke survivors and those with brain injuries or physical impairments, including a communal area allowing guests to receive occupational therapy and rehabilitation support on-site. With the additional benefit of being able to access the activities the Calvert Trust already offer.
As well as raising money for the Calvert Trust the trail, which has been Christened Go Herdwick, is an excellent opportunity to raise awareness importance of Herdwick sheep and hill farming to the Cumbrian landscape that so many visitors travel to see.
Herdwick sheep are a permanent feature on the Cumbrian fells so it seems fitting that are the chosen animal for the trail.
The design of the ewes has been approved by The Herdwick Sheep Breeders’ Association who suggested tweaks to the shape of the ewes to ensure that their unique appearance, created by their sturdy legs and upturned mouths, were captured.
Cumbria’s Herdwicks were thrust into the wider public’s consciousness last year when local shepherd James Rebanks published his first book The Shepherds Life, which documents his life farming Herdwicks. It is no surprise then that Rebanks has agreed to be the Patron for Go Herdwick.
Herdwick Spotting is expected to be a huge success with both visitors and tourists alike. An art trail map, posters and brochures will be printed so you can keep track of the Herdwicks you’ve seen and have yet spot.
What are you waiting for? Get out there and Go Herdwick.
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