I have been reading a lot in the press about the effects of F&M on the sheep of the Lakes. Does anyone know how many Herdwicks there are in the District and/or how many 'rare' breeds are at risk of the preventitive cull?

Hello Fred

I don't remember seeing a figure for the total numbers of Herdwicks. I tend to disregard any 'facts' I see in the press!

As for 'rare' breeds, I would have difficulty defining 'rare'. I believe some merino sheep may be destined for slaughter. Some llamas have been culled as dangerous contacts, but others in the 3Km zone may be spared but closely monitored for the disease. I understand they have a great natural resistance to foot and mouth disease.

Kelvyn
http://www.jenkinhill.co.uk

Fred

Further to my note of the other day I have now been told that "there were 75000 herdwicks of which 25000 were on the 92 National Trust farms. About 20000 have been destroyed so far (mainly because they were wintering in North Cumbria)."

My thanks to Julian Thurgood for those figures.

There is an excellent page about the herdwick breed on http://www.btinternet.com/~lake.district/herdwick.htm

Kelvyn
http://www.jenkinhill.co.uk