Book review: Herdwick Common - for all who care about a way of life

Adam Atkinson is the founder of Cherchbi whose high quality leather goods and bags are bought by those who really appreciate British craftsmanship. The tweed for his products is made from the wool of that remarkable breed, the Herdwick sheep. This book, with superb photographs by David Ellison, celebrates the Herdwick, its shepherds and farmers and the beautiful Cumbrian countryside which has been the Herdwick's home since they were introduced, some say, by Viking settlers.

The life of the Herdwick is interesting. As lambs they become 'heafed' to their piece of fell and there they stay from year to year. If the farm is sold the flock stays, as they are part of the land. The Lake District looks as it does because of their grazing and they are so much part of life and the environment that their disappearance would have far-reaching consequences. 

Unfortunately their fleeces are not highly regarded for wool, which is why it's good to see Cherchbi using it for their tweed. However, their meat is exceptional and their hardiness helps strengthen less robust lowland sheep breeds.

The book contains an introduction by the most famous of Cumbria's farmers, James Rebanks, in which he movingly and persuasively describes the vital importance of this ancient breed and the way of life it requires. And yet the average annual income of a fell farmer is £8,500. Read about a fascinating and vital way of life.

Herdwick Common is available from Cherchbi priced at £25 and also for sale is a collection of the best prints from the book (an example is pictured below).