My first two sheep were two female shearlings bought from Harry Hinde in 1991. Today, the flock numbers close on eighty ewes and I only breed Herdwicks.

Ewes currently in the flock have descended from the Hinde bloodlines, as well as those from three breeders based in the Lake District National Park - Margaret Gass, Frank Hindemoor and Anthony Hartley. Tups that have contributed to the Middlesmoor Herdwicks, in addition to home-bred, include those of Harry Hinde, Andrew Nicholson, George Harryman, Hannah Dickinson, Stanley Jackson, Anthony Hartley and Kevin Wrathall.

Over the years I have learnt that my preference in breeding is for strong, independent and well-boned Herdwicks. Whilst I do sell sheep I have bred, there are many that stay with me for their entire lives and at their end are humanely put down.

I keep the Herdwicks because of the immense sense of well-being that can be gained from working closely with another animal species and observing their behaviour and individualities. Sheep are great animals – always underestimated due to their tendency to panic at the unknown. Flight is a central defence reponse of sheep and it would seem difficult to appear intelligent when running for your life.