Helvellyn Herdwicks

Herdwick Sheep are unique to the Lake District landscape. The lambs are born black. The adult sheep provide a stunning range of natural fleece colours from black through to silver grey.

Herdwick Sheep are great characters with white faces and legs. The most widely known breeder of Herdwicks was Beatrix Potter, the children’s story writer, who left several farms and their flocks of Herdwicks to the National Trust when she died.

The lambs are jet black when they are born with white ears. At one year old (known as hogs) the fleece becomes dark brown. After shearing they gradually turn grey, just like us!. The fleece is spun and used for tweeds, rugs and hand knitting wool. Herdwick wool is hard wearing, non fading and completely natural.

Herdwick ewe with 2 new born lambs

Young Herdwick Sheep

Herdwick hogs