Sustainabilty of the breed requires a sound base of quality genetic diversity. The gene pool is currently broad-based – there are large number of animals in the breed and the number of breeders, particularly of purebred tups, continues to be strong.

The Herdwick breed is highly distinctive when compared to typical UK hill breeds such as the Swaledale, Dalesbred, Rough Fell, Scottish Blackface, Cheviots and Welsh mountain breeds.

It would be a tragedy if in future years, the Herdwick and these other native UK breeds that continue to be commercially farmed in large numbers, lose their place in the British sheep industry and become so numerically scarce that they become known only as rare breeds.

As a breeder of Herdwicks, I am committed to helping sustain their genetic well-being - breeding high quality, strong animals with important and useful attributes of health and behaviour – and their economic well-being – maintaining the special qualities of animals and products to ensure the markets will want them.