Farming in Sedbergh

Sheep on the hills above Sedbergh. The green mark on their wool is from a dye-pad strapped to the ram's chest. This enables the farmer to see when the ram has mated with all the sheep, whereupon it can be removed from the enclosure.

The farming heritage of Sedbergh and District goes back to the origins of the town. For at least two hundred years it has been based upon sheep, which are still the main focus of those who farm in the area. For an insight into the precious heritage that these farmers represent see an interview with Geoffrey and Roger Sedgwick of Lockbank Farm in the Howgills.

Although farming in the UK has been in decline for some time the 2001 census results show that it still provides employment for about 10% of the population of the area. Many farmers are having to diversify to survive and organisations such as the Cumbria LEADER+ Programme give help and financial support to farmers and local producers who are seeking new and different ways in which they can add value to local products.

Despite the decline, sheep still play a significant part of the agricultural scene. Some are now raised primarily to protect the breed, notably the Rough Fell sheep. Among other breeds are: Swaledale, Bluefaced Leicester, Texel and a few speciality sheep such as Jacobs and Shetland that you can see in specialist holdings.

You can buy locally-raised Rough Fell meat to eat from Garth Steadman's Butchers, in Sedbergh, and at the Sillfield Farm Shop in Borough Market, near London Bridge Station, on Saturdays. Other suppliers can be found on the Rough Fell Breeders' website.