Herdy Fund

At Herdy, we believe that supporting the education of young minds about the world around them, particularly in our rural communities, is vital. This summer, we had the pleasure of sponsoring the Westmorland Agricultural Society’s bi-annual Farm Open Days via The Herdy Fund. A grant of £1,000 was provided to help bring this educational experience to hundreds of primary-aged children across the South Lakes and Furness areas. The Farm Open Days were hosted this year by the Mason family at Heaves Farm in Levens. The initiative began back in 2007 and has become a highlight of the WCAS calendar. Offering schoolchildren a rare opportunity to step into the world of farming. The days are designed to connect young learners with the origins of the food on their plates while instilling an appreciation for sustainable farming practices and the agricultural landscape. Marion Bell, the Education Co-ordinator for WCAS said: “Our farm Open Days are a unique experience for Primary School pupils to visit a working farm where they are shown the various elements that take place to produce the food they eat.” For two days, the children were immersed in hands-on activities that illustrated the different aspects of farming life. From witnessing the shearing of sheep to learning how that wool is spun into yarn, the pupils were able to see, touch, and engage with the processes that form the backbone of UK farming. One of the most magical moments occurred when a group of lucky children witnessed the birth of a calf, an experience that left a lasting impression. In another part of the farm, children watched eggs hatch in the poultry section and even had the chance to enjoy freshly made eggy bread using eggs from the farm. The day was not just about the animals; the children were also shown the importance of sustainable practices. They participated in making compost and seed bombs. Embarked on a woodland walk where they learned about the vital role of bees in our ecosystem. These experiences sparked curiosity, leading to a flurry of questions. It was a joy to see their enthusiasm and hear comments like, “The farm visit was amazing and our children haven't stopped talking about it.” Over 100 volunteers and demonstrators dedicated their time to ensure the Farm Open Days were a resounding success. Stations were set up across the farm to demonstrate both traditional and modern farming methods. Children had the chance to see the dairy cows being milked and explore technological advancements in agriculture. Such as the veterinary lambing simulator and automated sheep run. The Farm Open Days are a testament to the WCAS’s commitment to educating future generations. At Herdy, we are proud to have played a part in the Farm Open Days. Supporting local children in learning about farming practices not only strengthens our rural communities but also ensures that the knowledge and appreciation for our agricultural heritage continue to thrive.

Herdy celebrates the unsung heroes of the Lake District The Lake District is one of the most beautiful and popular tourist destinations in the UK. With its picturesque landscapes, shimmering lakes, and rugged mountain ranges, it attracts millions of visitors each year. However, while it may seem like a paradise for adventure enthusiasts, it can also be a treacherous place, especially for those who venture into the mountains unprepared. This is where the vital work of the volunteer mountain rescue teams come into play.  The history of mountain rescue in the Lake District dates back to the early 1900s. When the first rescue teams were formed to assist walkers and climbers in distress. These were typically made up of local shepherds who knew the area well and were skilled at navigating the terrain. The (then titled) Coniston Fell Rescue Team from the Picture Post 1947 / mountain.rescue.org.uk In 1903, a tragic accident high on Scafell Pinnacle saw four climbers who were tied together, fall to their deaths as their leader slipped. The ‘Scafell Disaster’ was a pivotal moment in mountain rescue history as a shocked climbing community began to consider the increasing number of accidents and the lack of rescue resources available. Within a year, first aid equipment began to appear in key mountainous areas to help with rescue attempts.  It wasn't until after World War II that the mountain rescue teams became more organized and began to resemble the teams we see today with charitable donations beginning to help support the rescue efforts. The 1950’s saw the formation of the Lake District’s first civilian mountain rescue teams following catastrophic accidents in Coniston and Keswick. Similar incidents were occurring in the mountains across the UK and, over the years, a variety of accidents in mountainous and moorland areas motivated the locals into action. Initially, there was little direct communication between organisations, and yet new teams continued to spring up with similar values and aspirations, each subtly adapted to their own environment. Keswick rescuers, the early days © Keswick MRT Archive | Ogwen team practice on Vector Buttress, Tremadoc in 1967 / mountain.rescue.org.uk Today, the Lake District Search and Mountain Rescue Association (LDSAMRA) oversees the coordination of 12 mountain rescue teams made up of over 400 volunteers who provide a vital service to those who venture out into the mountains. These teams consist of highly trained and skilled individuals who are ready to respond to emergency calls 24/7, 365 days a year. They provide assistance to anyone who finds themselves in trouble on the mountains. The importance of these volunteers cannot be overstated. Without them, countless lives would have been lost over the years. They provide a vital service to the community, and their dedication and selflessness are truly inspiring.  Despite the incredible work they do, the volunteer mountain rescue teams rely heavily on donations and fundraising to keep them going, as they receive no government funding. The cost of maintaining the equipment, training, and running the rescue vehicles is significant, and without the support of the public and fundraisers, they would struggle to continue to provide this vital service. Coniston Mountain Rescue Team Herdy has partnered with Lake District Mountain Rescue to create a special fundraiser ‘Mountain Rescue’ Ewe Tube. The design features Mountain Rescue Herdy keeping the Lake District safe for all who enjoy a day out on the fells. This versatile Ewe Tube can be worn in a multitude of ways and is made from soft, comfy cotton. Not only is the Ewe Tube a practical accessory for anyone venturing out into the mountains, but it's also a fun way to show support for the amazing volunteers who make it possible for us to enjoy the outdoors safely. Every purchase will make a difference as £1.50 from the sale of every Ewe Tube will be donated to Lake District Mountain Rescue. By choosing to support the mountain rescue teams in this way, you are showing your appreciation for the work that they do and are helping to ensure that they can continue providing their vital service for years to come. Be AdventureSmart AdventureSmart is a new campaign developed with Mountain Rescue to provide all the essential information needed for people to get outdoors and have a great day out. Ask yourself 3 simple questions before you set off: Am I confident I have the KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS for the day? Do I know what the WEATHER will be like? Do I have the right GEAR? If you scored 3/3 on these questions, congrat-ewe-lations, off you go and have a fantastic day out! If you didn't, visit AdventureSmart to find the answers you need to be kitted up and the knowledge to keep you safe. By being AdventureSmart you are supporting our Mountain Rescue teams, by working together we can reduce the number of avoidable incidents that the rescue and emergency services deal with each year.  Useful Links adventuresmart.uk ldsamra.org.uk lakedistrictweatherline.co.uk jbbanks.co.uk/heritage-museum/

Herdy® is proud to sponsor The World Champion Herdwick award at this year’s Eskdale Show in The Lake District. Herdy’s local social purpose is to support, raise awareness for and champion the iconic, native breed Herdwick sheep and to help protect a centuries-old Cumbrian farming culture - the independent, family, upland fell farms.  In total so far, between Herdy and Herdysleep, around £200,000 of Herdy Fund support has gone into supporting this initiative, other rural community-led projects and the British Heart Foundation. A key project for the Herdwick back in 2016 was our funding of the successful Herdwick Gene Bank project which helped to protect the breed. Read More - There are many authentic and unique sheep gathering events throughout Cumbria but it’s probably fair to say that Eskdale showcases the best of the best when it comes to Herdwick’s.  While, unfortunately, we won’t be able to showcase ourselves at this year’s show, Co-Founder Diane Hannah will be there to present the award and support the cause. It will be her pleasure to meet and chat with anyone interested to know more about Herdy and Herdysleep.

To celebrate this year’s Random Acts of Kindness, Herdy has joined forces with Gateway Church in Kendal to deliver 400 ‘Hug in a mugs’! The ‘Hug in a mug’ project, which is now in its second year, aims to spread a little happiness to those in the local community who are affected by loneliness. Gateway Church’s Community Connector Rev Jonny Gios commented on the project. “We were aware even before the Covid pandemic started that loneliness and isolation was a huge challenge in our community. There is a misconception that loneliness only affects older people but In fact, it affects younger people too. The mugs are a small token that those who do feel lonely and especially isolated are not forgotten” The Neighbourhood Chaplains and staff from Herdy HQ came together to create the Hug in a Mugs, over a morning coffee.  Each mug has been carefully and thoughtfully put together and includes details of how to get in touch with the Neighbourhood Chaplains team of volunteers for support. The mugs are full to the brim of tasty treats kindly donated by Farrer’s Tea and Coffee Shop. Which includes hot chocolate, Kendal mint cake, shortbread and of course, tea and coffee. The mugs also contain supportive advice, such as information about a befriending service, help available to assist with odd jobs around the house, or someone simply to lend a listening ear. Every year Herdy takes part in the Random Acts of Kindness initiative, to help promote kindness and positivity in the local community. Previous year’s projects include ‘Hunt the Herdy’, when we hid 30 specially made “Super Herdys” throughout Cumbria for people to find and take home. The finder was encouraged to carry out their own random act of kindness in return. Random Acts of Kindness aims to spread a little bit of happiness at a local level. At Herdy we felt that Hug in a Mug was the perfect project for us to get involved with. There's nothing better than enjoying a good cuppa, especially in a Herdy mug. Herdy’s mission is ‘to spread smiles and happiness and we hope that the ‘Hug in a Mug’ will bring a smile to those in the community who need it the most.   The Campaign to End Loneliness states that isolation in rural areas such as Cumbria has a unique set of circumstances that can exacerbate social isolation, leading to poor health, loss of independence and lower quality of life. These factors range from lower per capita expenditure on social care to greater reliance on car ownership, particularly for visiting family or simply getting to the shops.  On a bright and breezy morning (aka Storm Dudley), the team from Herdy HQ plus the Neighbourhood Chaplains from Gateway Church stocked up the Herdy van and began distributing the mugs across Kendal. "Hug in a Mug brought tears of joy to a lady who was so touched to receive one.” explained one of the volunteer’s “She had gone through some difficult times and this showed her she was loved and not forgotten about". The Gateway Church is also offering the opportunity to nominate a local person who you believe is in need of a ‘Hug in a Mug’. You can find out more about the nomination process by visiting their Facebook page here. Other Blogs You Might Like Herdy Donates £7500 to Great North Air Ambulance Service The Herdy Heroes Fundraiser Tea Towel Herdy Donates £3,000 For New "Community Maker Space"

Herdy has donated £750 and a Little Herdy mascot in support of the “Cumbria to K2” Expedition Two builders from Cumbria, Pete Brittleton and Paul Etheridge, will be attempting to climb the world’s most dangerous mountain, K2, as well as neighbouring eight thousander Broad Peak, with no oxygen and no Sherpa support.  It marks the first British expedition to K2 in over 20 years. Herdy offered sponsorship and gifts to the team after meeting earlier in the year. At a height of 8,610 m (28,250 ft) above sea level, K2 is over 8x higher than England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike. Before the climb, Pete and Paul will be volunteering in the local communities of Pakistan, assisting them with creating a sustainable and effective income for future generations. The builders aim to help educate the local people on climbing at altitude, teach climbing skills, and provide mountaineering, navigation, and first aid training. Their goal is to qualify participants in becoming high altitude porters, providing them with a future career and skills for generations to come. Diane Hannah, Herdy co-founder, said: “Herdy loves to ‘Roam Free’ so when we heard about Paul and Pete’s extraordinary expedition to climb Broadpeak and K2 we were keen to support them. “The fact that they’re integrating a project to benefit local communities fits perfectly with the ethos of Herdy. We’ve sent a Little Herdy with them to bring them luck on their journey. We wish them well in their challenge but most of all, look forward to welcoming them back safely.”  You can follow along with the expedition's progress at their website, as well as their Instagram.

PRESS RELEASE Herdy Donates £3,000 For New “Community Maker Space” A new “Community Maker Space” in Sedbergh will be developed thanks to £3,000 from the Herdy Fund, which is administered by the Cumbria Community Foundation. Settlebeck Parents, Teachers & Friends Association (PTFA) will use the funds to upgrade Settlebeck School’s design and technology facilities. It will then begin a programme of evening classes open to pupils, parents, and members of the community who wish to learn more about computer aided design and manufacturing. Steph Williams, for Settlebeck PTFA, said: “As a very small rural secondary school we pride ourselves in providing pupils with a bespoke educational experience which is often difficult to find in larger schools, ensuring that every child has the chance to thrive. Alongside this, we continue to seek opportunities to develop our high-quality facilities. We have a close relationship with the Sedbergh community and surrounding area and have been looking for ways to further strengthen those links.” Diane Hannah, Herdy Co-Founder, said: “When we heard about the Settlebeck project we instantly wanted to provide the outstanding funds to make it happen. Herdy is a design-led business so this project is very close to our heart. “Not only are we happy to contribute financially, there are loads of opportunities for us to work with the pupils too once the facility is up and running. We’d love to share our knowledge and experience with the pupils, and work on some live Herdy projects with them.” Learn More About The Herdy Fund Elsewhere in the media Settlebeck School in Sedbergh given £3,000 from Herdy for Community Maker Space programme - The Westmorland Gazette

Press Release Herdy Launches Weekly “Herdy Heroes” Campaign Summary Starting Monday 6th April 2020 Every Monday Herdy asks followers to submit their nominations for who their "Herdy Hero" is Every Friday, Herdy chooses a nomination and creates a customised eCard for them, thanking them for being a Hero Campaign aims to highlight and recognise heroes in local communities, from NHS nurses and posties, to HGV drivers and helpful neighbours Release Herdy, the lovable brand from the Lake District, have launched a weekly "Herdy Heroes" campaign, aiming to highlight and recognise heroes in local communities during the Coronavirus pandemic. Every Monday, Herdy will ask followers on their social media to nominate a "Herdy Hero"; someone who has gone above and beyond in their local community. Herdy will select a "winner" every Friday and design a customised eCard to be sent to the chosen nominee. The idea was formed after an email received from a Herdy customer; he asked if Herdy could reproduce their "Thank Ewe NHS" graphic onto a mug, to give to his wife who works as an anaesthetist at the Cumberland Infirmary. Diane Hannah, Co-Founder said, “We had to explain, as well as our own shops being closed right now, unfortunately our mug manufacturers were too. We really wanted to do something to help, which led us to think about creating a customised e-card instead.” Herdy's first post on social media requesting "Herdy Hero" nominations reached nearly 20,000 people. On Friday 10th April a nominee was selected: Nigel, who works at Windermere's Post Office. He was nominated by Sue Hazlehurst, who added: “Nigel at Windermere Post Office has gone above and beyond the call of duty, even saying that if anyone has an emergency when he’s closed, he will open up and sort it as he lives above the Post Office. A well deserving Herdy Hero.” Herdy aims to continue the weekly "Herdy Hero" campaign for as long as the pandemic remains. Visit Herdy's Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to view current and past "Herdy Hero" nominations. Elsewhere in the press The Westmorland Gazette: Herdy launches campaign to recognise local heroes In-Cumbria: Herdy launches campaign to recognise local heroes The Mail: Herdy launches campaign to recognise local heroes

A partnership between two iconic Lake District brands will enable the International Under 18 Mountain Running Cup to be staged in Ambleside next summer. The Herdy Company, with its world famous smiling sheep, and the running shoe specialists inov-8 are to be headline sponsors of the event, which will bring young athletes from across the globe to the Lakes.  The IUMRC is the world’s premier competition for young runners, and is being held in England for the first time, organised by Ambleside AC. They will tackle a typical Lakeland fell-race course on Loughrigg as part of a weekend festival of running, with a flag-bearing parade through the streets launching the start of the event.  Event director Duncan Richards, who has been negotiating to bring the event to the Lake District, said that the organisers were thrilled to be working with two of the most important and exciting brands in the region.  “inov-8 are the technical specialists who are synonymous with fell running, and Herdy is the welcoming face of a character that symbolises the Lakes,” said Duncan. “One enables runners to tackle all levels of fell terrain, while Herdy, inspired by the Lakes' native Herdwick sheep, knows the fells even better than the best runners!” Spencer Hannah, Co-Director and Founder of Herdy, said: “The fit couldn’t be better! Herdy was born in The Lakes 12 years ago and the Herdy face is all about spreading smiles and sharing happy moments. We’re here to welcome the runners, their families, and all the visitors to this fantastic event; the spirit of Herdy is here to inspire friendship, shared adventure, the freedom of the Lakeland fells and communities coming together.” Michael Price, COO of inov-8, said: “inov-8 was forged in the fells of the Lake District 16 years ago and we are supremely proud of our heritage. Loughrigg and the surrounding fells form part of our testing ground where we go to test the renowned grip of our running shoes, so we know it well and will be out there in force to support the world’s best junior mountain runners when they come here next June.” Photo courtesy of inov-8® Their sponsorship is joining other local partners who are contributing to the fund to make the event happen. They include Epic Events, retailers Pete Bland Sports and Kong Adventure, the wealth management company Atkins Ferrie, and Love Ambleside, the local organisation that was founded to promote the town in the wake of Storm Desmond. Other companies, including McClures of Windermere, and the Grasmere Brewing Company, are providing items for the athletes’ goody bags. Alongside the international race, Ambleside will also host an uphill time trial race to the summit of Wansfell, and an open race over the championship course. “Herdy is all about spreading smiles and sharing happy moments” On the Saturday, (June 20) the FRA English Junior Championships will take place in the morning, followed by the international races, and then an open race for all runners over Loughrigg and Silver Howe the following day.  The youth event has been a stepping stone for under-18 fell and mountain runners to race internationally since 2006. Olympic triathletes Alistair and Jonny Brownlee are among those who have started their international racing careers at this championship, and for the last 12 years teams from across the world have converged annually at mountain locations in Italy, France, Ireland, Bulgaria, and Czech Republic to compete for the trophy.  The event flag was handed over to Ambleside AC’s Duncan Richards, chair of the organising committee, by Jonathan Wyatt, president of the World Mountain Running Association, after this summer’s race in Susa in Italy.  The visiting athletes will be accommodated at Ambleside YHA over the weekend, with a few youngsters staying at Windermere and Coniston YHA hostels on the first night. “This is a fantastic accolade for our local club and will bring the international spotlight on Ambleside,” said Duncan. “This event is all about developing and inspiring young people, be it international athletes, local athletes, local schools, clubs and communities.” Duncan, who has been the England team manager at the last six Youth Cups, added: “I have seen the benefit such an experience can bring to young athletes, the confidence born from the shared experience of international competition.” 

Back in 2014, when our hair wasn’t as grey and we had fewer wrinkles, we unveiled a herdyfund project we’d been working on: a marketing and knowledge-share project, the design of a quality marque that could be used in a variety of projects by lake district farmers, either meat or wool related Herdwick products, that aligned with the newly awarded PDO status granted to Herdwick meat (such as Herdwick lamb), and would work to safeguard the balance between the Herdwick sheep, the Herdwick shepherd, and upland fell farming into the future. We then gifted the copyright and design to the HSBA (Herdwick Sheep Breeds Association) for them to safeguard and license. Legally, there has to be a legal exchange of contract so we “sold” it for £1. If you see the logo on Herdwick sheep gifts, you know that what you’re getting as a customer is a quality, ethical Herdwick product that directly benefits the upland fell farmers and their local rural economies. Four years on, we’re delighted to see the fruits of this collaboration ripen… Local Herdwick products Recently, the HSBA has started licensing out the Herdwick Marque to a number of local businesses who make good use of Herdwick products. This, in turn, has now started to generate an income for the HSBA, which is fantastic news and the reason why we created the Herdwick Marque in the first place. Chimney Sheep Chimney Sheep, based in the west coast of Cumbria, use the thick and coarse fleece from Herdwick sheep to create draught excluders for chimneys. “Some years ago I started noticing how many open chimneys there were. Having an open chimney is like leaving a window open all the time, and this seemed like a big waste of energy and money. I’ve always had a concern for environmental issues and thought that this presented both an problem and an opportunity. I knew that wool had natural insulation properties but was also breathable, which is important for chimneys, and so an idea was born. I experimented with a lot of different types of wool, and the Herdwick wool was the only one that really worked well. It is a very course wiry wool, which gives the “Chimney Sheep” the stiffness required to hold itself in place. “It keeps warm air in the room, stops cold air from sinking down the chimney, and keeps out wind noise into the bargain. It also stops debris and wildlife from getting in. We’ve had it tested and it prevents around 5% of household heat loss, saving an average of over £50 a year off the typical heating bill. “We buy 100% Herdwick wool from our suppliers, which comes on nicely felted rolls. However, farmers were saying it wasn’t worth their while taking the wool to the collection points, and a lot were burning it rather than the effort of delivering to wool merchants. I decided to collect Herdwick wool directly from local farmers, so that they would get a better price for it and not have the bother of having to take it to a collection depot. By cutting out a chain of merchants, the end price for the clean washed wool worked out better for us as well. “Chimney Sheeps sell all over the world and it is nice to think that we are sending a little bit of the English Lake District to these far flung places. It is all about the functionality of the wool: the landscape is a consequence of our industrial heritage and the Herdwick wool Chimney Sheeps are a contemporary export of the region.” Cable & Blake Cable & Blake, based in Kendal, was founded by Rachel and Alice in December 2017, who took their combined love of the local Herdwick sheep and the Lake District landscape to create gorgeous fabrics (such as Herdwick tweed), lampshades, and upholstered furniture. “The idea for Cable & Blake came up during a family outing to Brockhole - Alice was talking about Herdwick fleeces being burned due to their low value and I happened to mention that I could see Herdwick wool being a tactile but hard-wearing upholstery fabric. We realised our shared love of this iconic breed, my knowledge of upholstery, and Alice’s business acumen could combine to create a really good business.” Cable & Blake source Lake District Herdwick fleece that’s spun into yarn and then woven on traditional looms at Farfield Mill in Sedbergh, Yorkshire Dales; the resulting fabric is then sent off for finishing (shaving, softening, dyeing and printing) before returning to Kendal. The local sourcing and manufacturing also keeps the carbon footprint way down. “The fleece has great texture and depth, and we’ve found fantastic craftspeople who have worked with the fleece’s unique properties and helped us to create fabrics that are incredibly practical but also really pleasing aesthetically and texturally. There’s real satisfaction in taking something that has long been undervalued and transforming it into a highly sought-after product. “We have worked really hard to produce fabric ranges that reflect the unique palette of the fells, lakes and valleys throughout the seasons. Our patterned range is a modern, abstract twist on classical Lake District views. “We really wanted to connect with the (Herdwick Sheep Breeds) Association as we fully support their assertion that the cultural and socio economic systems (which have developed over hundreds of years and have helped define the unique characteristics of the Lake District) need support. When we get chance to take breath we’ll be exploring ways for Cable & Blake to work with other Association members - local collaborations are certainly of great interest to us.” Wools of Cumbria Carpets Wools of Cumbria Carpets, also based in Kendal, are another local company who make good use of locally sourced Herdwick wool to create hard-wearing, high-quality, natural tone Herdwick carpets for home and commercial properties. They also make carpets from two other Cumbrian sheep breeds: the Swaledale and the Kendal Rough Fell. WoCC promote upland fell farmers and local rural economies, and, in their own words, “for every square metre of carpet sold from our ‘Graphite’ and ‘Colourwash’ Ranges, we donate 25 pence to the respective Sheep Breeders’ Association.” Back in the farmer’s pocket Likewise, we’re delighted to work with the HSBA by buying Herdwick fleece direct from a co-operative of Lake District fell farmers for more than twice the market rate, which is then used in our supremely comfortable and luxurious herdysleep mattresses. People get a high-quality, English-made product that positively affects their physical health, and the fell farmers get a sustainable income from Herdwick fleece. “The Herdwick Sheep Breeders Association Ltd (HSBA) would like to thank the Herdy Company for its support<…>The Herdwick is very special breed of sheep as it is a living example of our natural heritage producing food and fibre in an environmentally sustainable way<…>The HSBA has a vision to support the cultural and socio economic systems that have developed over hundreds of years through Herdwick farming, which have helped to define the unique characteristics of the environment of the Lake District<…>To find successful new markets for Herdwick products to ensure their sustainable future, the HSBA were awarded in 2013 Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status. In a further demonstration of their pledge to support rural communities, the Herdy Company developed an exclusive Herdwick branding which will benefit all members of the breed society<…>The HSBA is grateful for the support of the Herdy Company and is looking forward to developing new initiatives and working in partnership Herdy in the future.” Amanda Carson, Secretary of the Herdwick Sheep Breeders Association. What Herdwick products do ewe want to see in the future? Chat with us in the comments below, or join the flock on our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or email us. Products mentioned in this post Learn More

Today, we are really proud to let you know about the new charitable Herdyfund. It’s actually been part of our business model from the very beginning but up to now has been funded via a percentage of profits from the company. We’re now live with the Herdyfund, which will be managed by the Registered Charity, Cumbria Community Foundation (CCF). We’ll still direct how the fund works but excitingly, it means we can now accept donations for the first time.  Its purpose is to fund, sponsor, interact, help inspire, and support our rural farming communities. It's their guardianship of the Lakeland landscape, with a little help from the Herdwick sheep, that has shaped this place that we all know and love, and it’s what inspired us to create Herdy. We’ve given back from day one - now you can too. Funding, relief, and inspiration It seems to be the case nowadays, more so than ever before, to expect the unexpected. Our original plans for the fund reveal got derailed by Storm Emma aka “The Beast From The East”. As reports came in about the devastating impact it had wreaked on farms across the county we agreed with Andy Beeforth OBE, CEO of the Foundation, that the priority should be to help the farmers who had been hardest hit.  We put in a pot of £10,000 and the CCF matched it. The Herdyfund led the way in a relief programme that’s still ongoing now. We recently visited two of the farmers to listen to their experience of the storm. Cumbrian farmers are nothing if not resilient, quite capable of surviving most things but even they could not compete with the 127mph winds. The combination of the fallen snow and the Helm Wind demolished dry stone walls that had stood for generations. Ewes in lamb were literally frozen to the spot. These farmers battled through 10–15ft snow drifts to try and rescue their animals before getting stuck themselves.  Incredibly some sheep were found alive days later, buried in drifts, but still standing. Adam Day from the Farmer Network said how much the farmers had appreciated the help from the fund and the most special thing about it to them, was to know that other people actually cared. The Herdyfund and the future Whilst our region’s countryside and heritage is admired worldwide, the fell farmers and rural communities who manage and maintain our cultural landscape can sometimes be unseen.  The Herdyfund always has, and will continue to work with, our upland fell farmers and rural communities to create a sustainable future. Our plans for the Herdyfund don’t just include providing funding for dealing with tough situations. We’re working on ideas for this year and beyond where we can come together to interact, share, and inspire, and we’d love you to be with us all the way.  Over the last eleven years we’ve worked on projects from dry stone walling apprenticeships to protecting the Herdwick breed through the Herdwick Genebank project. Our innovative approach has won awards including the Business in the Community award from the Prince of Wales; no wonder we’re excited about how much more we will be able to do if you’re helping too.  Click here if you would like to be involved by making a donation, no matter how small. Our shops will also accept donations very soon, and later in the year we’ll be putting more ways to support and become involved in place. Keep watching this space.

A guest blog by Sophia Newton, Leader of the Flock at createaflock.co.uk Tuesday 12th December 2017 marked International Mountain Day, an occasion created to highlight the need for sustainable mountain development. The day marked the beginning of three days of UN discussions in Rome to address the topic. Mountains cover 22% of the world’s surface, are home to nearly a billion people and are a vital part of the water cycle, providing freshwater to the lowlands beneath. Traditionally mountains have been home to a wide range of mountain peoples and environments but are under threat from climate, hunger and migration. 90% of mountain dwellers live in the world’s developing countries and helping to create sustainable development whilst preserving and encouraging their way of life will likely be near the top of the agenda for the talks and rightly so. Here in Britain, our own mountain communities are under threat too, though the challenges facing these rural communities differ. Poverty is very much a real issue for many of those who help manage Britain’s mountain landscapes. In the English Lake District, arguably one of the UK’s most economically stable areas, it can be a county of two halves. Tourists flock to the area, attracted by the deep lakes and craggy mountains and inevitably business booms in the honeypot towns in the valleys. For the fell farmers who oversee the Lakeland fells it can feel like a different story. A traditional way of life, which for some families has remained more or less unchanged in hundreds of years is under threat from economic challenges, environmental changes and issues surrounding succession and the future generations ability to young generation. Answers for these deep-rooted problems won’t be found overnight but a socially-conscious brand Herdy has been helping to make positive changes for the upland fell farmers through their philanthropic herdyfund. Herdy is a design-led home and giftware company with the smiling iconic Herdwick sheep at the centre and from the very first day of the company, co-founders Spencer and Diane Hannah set up the herdyfund to support fell farmers and rural communities in their home county of Cumbria. Spencer Hannah urges others to look upwards to the mountains and to think creatively about helping create a sustainable economic and environmental solution to the challenges facing mountain communities. “We felt responsible for helping safeguard and protect the area which was the inspiration for the business. Its taken us ten years to create strong relationships with the fell farming community, they’re private and hardworking and they would be the very last people to ask for help. We’ve worked closely with them and created practical projects that are having a positive impact. Together we’ve established the Herdwick gene bank, preserving the iconic hardy breed for the long term, created trade relationships for herdwick wool which guarantees them above market value for otherwise discarded fleeces through herdysleep, and helped set up apprenticeships for dry stone wallers. "All the projects are scalable and over time combined with other initiatives will have even more of a dramatic impact on the rural communities and fell farmers of the Lake District. Our mountains are more than a pretty backdrop, they are also home to communities and I think that the people who benefit from the mountains are often those on the valley floor and we have to think differently to forge viable ways for us all to prosper.” The herdyfund has been running for the last ten years but is becoming a formally registered charity in Spring through Cumbria Community Foundation.

In this, our tenth anniversary year, we’re celebrating everything that’s great about the #GreatBritish LakeDistrict: its landscape, culture, communities, businesses and organisations that, together, make the Lake District a living, breathing place. Where better to start than with one of our region’s original economy drivers, the Lake District Upland Fell Farmer. Their contribution to the character, identity and landscape of the Lakes has helped drive generations of visitors to this unique and amazing place (17.1 million in 2016). Sheep have been farmed on the high fells of the Lake District for thousands of years and it’s farming the high fells that gives the Lake District its unique look and character. While there are other tough sheep breeds around, any proper fell farmer will tell you, there’s really only one breed for the job - the Herdwick. It’s the right design with the right character. A hefted breed with great navigational and survival skills and a thick long tail to keep nasty drafts out of awkward places! Back in the day, before synthetic fibre took an inextricable grip on the textile industry, wool was an established commercial fibre with a whole suite of applications. The price of wool allowed even the humble Cumbrian and Westmorland flocks of Herdwick sheep to turn a profit. From military apparel to blankets, flooring and carpet the rufty-tufty Herdwicks with their bouncy, resilient wool coats had a clear purpose and that meant upland fell farmers were able to include the payment from every wool clip as part of their measurable farming income. In fact, for many tenanted farms the wool clip paid the annual farm rent. While those days have long gone the spirit and identity of the real upland fell farmer lives on. Herdwicks are now bred mainly for their meat which is renowned for being lean and particularly good in flavour (Lakeland Herdwick meat was awarded Protected Designation of Origin, PDO status, in 2012). The Herdwick’s need for minimal supplementary feeding, the fact that they readily adapt to most conditions and make excellent mothers have made them a very popular choice for cross breeding which has added to the commerciality of the breed. Choosing to be a shepherd in the Lakes is not a decision taken for fame and fortune. Not everyone would be happy to drag themselves out of bed at the crack of dawn to scramble up 2000-3000ft high fells on a freezing cold winter’s day to farm and care for these unique animals. Most fell farmers will say though, to be on that same fell side at the crack of dawn, on a perfect spring day, there’s nowhere else they’d rather be. Ten years ago we took our inspiration for herdy® from the irrepressible, smiley faced, Herdwick sheep. Today we’re celebrating the Herdwick farmers, the very people who look after this iconic little sheep. Long live the Lake District fell farmers. You know who you are and we think you’re great! To find out more about our latest endeavours to support the use of Herdwick wool please go to herdysleep.com If you’d like to join in the fun with #GreatBritishLakeDistrict show us what you think is great about the Great British Lake District. We’ll be giving away prizes for the best posts! Follow us on facebook, twitter, instagram and Pinterest

The latest herdy fund project that sponsored a trail blazing initiative to help protect and preserve the Lake District’s iconic Herdwick sheep breed has proved to be a huge success. A three-way collaboration between The Herdy Company, the Herdwick Sheep Breeders Association (HSBA) and Newton Rigg Agricultural College has resulted in 19 embryos being harvested from three new Herdwick flocks. Six pure bred ewes from fell farms across the county were brought together at Sewborwens Farm, Newton Rigg College. The 19 embryos were collected by students under a closely monitored eight-week programme and are now frozen and stored in The Herdwick Heritage Gene Bank. Spencer Hannah, co founder and director of herdy, said: “Herdwick sheep are the iconic breed of the Lake District and we are really pleased that our herdy fund has been able to make this forward thinking initiative happen. The fact that 19 embryos have been successfully harvested is a great result and really does make you smile. The project has also provided a fantastic learning opportunity for the students at Newton Rigg College who helped care for the Herdwicks and learn about the complex techniques of embryo collection.” Amanda Carson from HSBA, added: “The HSBA are absolutely delighted that 19 embryos have been successfully collected and frozen from three important flocks that are not currently represented in the gene bank. I cannot stress enough how complex and costly this process is, and to achieve such a great result is fantastic for the Herdwick breed now and in the future.” Herdwicks are the foundation of fell farming, which is one of the most sustainable agricultural systems in the UK today, in which the needs of the wild habitat and those of the domesticated animals are balanced and nurtured. Essentially, the environment of the high fells is maintained by the grazing of the sheep. Herdwicks have been in the Lake District for over a thousand years and have become supremely adapted to the harsh environment of the high fells. The 19 embryos will be added to the five Herdwick flocks already in the The Herdwick Heritage Gene Bank. In 2016 to mark the centenary of the HSBA, The Herdy Company came forward to help mark the occasion by offering to fund a collection of Herdwick embryos to enhance the existing collection. 

Herdy’s latest Herdy Fund project is the sponsorship of a trail blazing initiative to help protect and preserve the Lake District’s iconic Herdwick sheep breed. The Herdwick Heritage Gene Bank, funded by Herdy, gets underway this autumn. The Herdwick Sheep Breeders’ Association will be working with Newton Rigg College to complete the breed’s gene bank, which was started during the 2001 Foot and Mouth epidemic by The Sheep Trust. The new initiative will help to ensure the long term protection and survival of the breed and is particularly appropriate as this is the HSBA’s centenary year. Six pure bred ewes from fell farms across the county have been brought to Sewborwens Farm at Newton Rigg College where their embryos will be collected under a closely monitored 8 week programme. These will then be frozen and stored in The Sheep Trust Heritage Gene Bank Archive along with fertilised eggs and semen collected by the charity 15 years ago. At the end of the 8 week project, the sheep will be returned to their farms to continue as before.   The project will give Newton Rigg College students valuable experience, working on an exciting and significant live project which could be of benefit to their own flocks in years to come. Amanda Carson, Secretary of the Herdwick Sheep Breeders' Association explained: “The importance of this initiative cannot be over-estimated as we work to extend the Herdwick Gene Bank with good examples of the breed from proper fell going sheep. Our aim is to ensure the protection of the breed should a future catastrophe occur, such as Foot & Mouth, where numbers are either reduced or wiped out. Although there are Herdwicks elsewhere in the country, these sheep are locally adapted to the breed’s home county and represent the most characteristic fell type”. Whilst Herdwick numbers are currently not under threat – there are about 50,000 in the UK, the Herdwick Heritage Gene Bank Project is an insurance to ensure the breed's longevity and protection. “It is hoped that this project will encourage new gene banks to be established for additional sheep breeds as a much wider national insurance policy to protect the UK’s farm animal genetic resources,” said Ms Carson. Spencer Hannah, co-founder of The Herdy Company said: “It’s a volatile, complex and unpredictable world nowadays. Future security and prosperity for rural regions of the UK needs everyone to understand that we’re all in this together – whatever your purpose in life. We started the Herdy Fund at the same time we set up The Herdy Company in 2007, for the purpose of supporting sustainable rural community through cross sector collaboration, sponsorship and knowledge share. We are very proud to support this critically important project.” As students begin the academic year, Matt Bagley, Head of Agriculture commented on the significance of the project for the college: “This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to not only learn more about this breed but to participate in a live project of immense significance. They will be involved in the animal husbandry as well as assisting in some of the more technical aspects of the programme which will provide valuable knowledge and experience.” Professor Dianna Bowles, Chair of The Sheep Trust added: “This new project is great news for the Herdwick breed that holds such useful biodiversity for mainstream farming yet is under such major threat. We have supported the Heritage Gene Bank since our charity started and we are now guaranteeing its on-going costs until 2021 – 20 years in total. It is a pleasure to work with our three Cumbrian partners to help ensure the project’s success for the Herdwicks.”

A Herdwick Brand for Herdwick Farmers, launched at 165th Grasmere Show We had a fun and busy weekend at the end of August; the rain cleared and the sun shone, late summer and the Lakes at its best, and a perfect opportunity to launch the new Herdwick brand quality mark. A chance to get out into the Lakes with our Herdy stall at both shows, we love meeting up with you all when we are out and about; thanks for coming to say hello! Saturday saw us meeting up with old friends at the Patterdale Show: a traditional shepherd’s meet from the valleys of Matterdale & St John’s in the Vale, where you see sheep-farming traditions and hear the Cumbrian dialect. The show is now in its 101st year and still keeps to the original Lakeland format: Sheep dog trials, Terrier Show, Sheep Show, Fell Race, sheep shearing displays, hound trails, shows of sticks and crooks, and crafts. We sponsor the Prize Herdwick Tup at the Patterdale Show, and Robby & Peter Bland—from Knott Houses Farm, Grasmere—won this year. The launch of the Herdwick Brand Quality Mark Grasmere Sports Day The sun came out on Sunday and off we went to the Grasmere Show, in its 165th year of showcasing Cumbrian traditions of Cumberland wrestling, fell running, and hound trails, as well as local produce, food and drink. Our Herdy tent was right next to the Farmers Network, where prize Herdwicks were on show, and being sheared with people enjoying watching and understanding more about these amazing creatures.  This was the day we and the Herdwick Sheep Breeders Association officially launched the Herdwick brand endorsement mark. It’s a quality mark, or logo we’ve created—free of charge—for the sheep and the farmers, which endorses genuine Cumbrian Herdwick. The HSBA will now be guardians of the brand and its use, and wherever you see it you are assured of a high quality product, be it meat or wool. It’s our latest Herdyfund initiative. We’re proud to be using Herdwick wool in some of our existing product range, and it will also form a key part of our new product development. We’re about to launch a range of accessories, which are all about natural materials, artisan skills, and “Made in England”. We’ve spent two years developing a unique blended fabric, which makes good use of Herdwick Wool. The goal is that it becomes commercially viable and can be used well, not just in small numbers of bespoke items, but will work as a commercial proposition. The fabric will bring farmers, Herdy, and the wool industry together to develop a viable product. We’re hoping the Herdwick Quality Brand Mark will help the farmers raise the profile of their hard work in rearing and caring for the Herdwick sheep, and enable them to earn a sustainable income from the by-products: meat and wool.

Marquees may not sound like the most important thing for us to be helping with, but they’re expensive bits of kit and for famers they’re essential if they want to attend show such as the Patterdale Show to promote themselves. A lot of the regional country shows are starved of support and it’s really important that the marquees are provided because they’re the roof under which lots of events, rural communities, makers, farmers and all kinds of other people gather. Marquees are incredibly expensive – tens of thousands of pounds- but once they’re bought they can be used all around the county for different events, supporting local causes and creating gatherings and parties and all sorts of other different things. The Herdwick Sheep Breeders Association (HSBA) has recently bought a collection of several big marquees with the support from across the county. We made a small contribution of £500 towards them and it’s part of the additional support we offered when we developed the Herdwick Branding - monies from other funding bodies and larger corporate sponsors made up the rest. The marquees have been specifically designed to advertise and market the Herdwick brand and they had their inaugural outing at the Gosforth show before being used again at the Patterdale Show. Marquees help the shows to take place and survive and they bring all the local communities together at least once or twice a year – as well as allowing visitors the chance to join in and understand more about life in rural farming communities.

Herdy has always been committed to giving back a percentage of profits to look after the Lakeland landscape. Each year we donate money to the herdyfund - a fund we set up to provide grants and funding to enterprises and organisations promoting the conservation of the Herdwick sheep and rural lifestyle associated with upland fell farming in Cumbria. Our latest grant was for an event this autumn called Herdwick At Its Best, which aimed to support Herdwick farmers by getting more Herdwick meat onto menus in Lake District pubs, restaurants and hotels during its peak season, and seeing less Herdwick sold as generic ‘lamb’. We want people living in and visiting the area to have a chance to eat top quality, slow grown, free roaming local produce. And while it may not seem like a good idea to an individual Herdwick, we think it certainly benefits their future as a breed! Herdwick hogget* and lamb is distinctive produce with a unique flavour. The animals are reared slowly on the Lake District fells, eating a natural diet of heather and grasses. The resulting meat is lean with a rich gamey flavour and contains beneficial Omega 3 fatty acids.  We worked with the Herdwick Sheep Breeders Association to organise, promote and sponsor the Herdwick At Its Best event, which was aimed at chefs and others in the catering and hospitality industry. Farmers offered a first-hand insight into the farming methods that result in lean, succulent Herdwick meat, explained the effect that grazing has on the landscape of the Lake District and Cumbria, also Herdwick meat’s peak season according to the fell farming year. We had support from a great range of chefs – top young chef Ryan Blackburn from The Cottage in the Wood at Whinlatter did an excellent demonstration, David Jackson of the Leathes Head Hotel, Borrowdale put on a delicious spread of taster dishes to show off the meat to perfection, and Steven Doherty of the Lakeland Café, Windermere came along to add his encouragement.  Chefs attended from top Cumbrian hotels and restaurants including the Borrowdale Hotel, The Cottage in the Wood, Whinlatter, the First Floor Café, Lakeland, the George Hotel, Penrith, Leathes Head Hotel, Borrowdale, the Lodore Falls Hotel, Nent Hall Country House, Alston, the Regent Hotel, Ambleside, Rothay Garden Hotel, Grasmere and the Woolpack Inn, Eskdale. Many took away cuts of prime Herdwick meat to create their own dishes. The event was a great opportunity for asking and answering questions, identifying issues and improving links between different sectors who rarely meet. Our herdyfund is about supporting a sustainable rural economy, and by farmers sharing their expertise with others in this way, we feel they add value to other local businesses too. If you’re interested in buying Herdwick meat direct from a farm, the Herdwick Sheep Breeders Association website has a list of links to producers. And if you’re eating out in the Lake District – particularly in late winter/early Spring, ask if they serve Herdwick and consider giving it a try. *While lamb meat tends to come from sheep under a year old, hogget comes from sheep which have passed their first winter, falling between ‘spring lamb’ and mutton. 

The latest grant from the herdyfund Pulling together should not just be left for tough times… The Herdwick Sheep Breeders Association, a co-operative of fell farmers and guardians of the Herdwick, are as tough and hardy a breed as the sheep they farm. Their existence, skills and businesses are very much ‘behind the farm gate’, raising their flocks in a unique environment which creates a unique product. As a Lake District born and inspired home and gift brand, we at Herdy are showing our support with our latest herdyfund grant, which is for an event this autumn called Herdwick At Its Best. The event is for chefs and those in the local hospitality industry, and aims to get more Herdwick meat onto menus in Cumbrian pubs, restaurants and hotels during its peak season, and see less sold as generic ‘lamb’. Herdwick hogget* and lamb is distinctive produce with a unique flavour. The animals are reared slowly on the Lake District fells, eating a natural diet of heather and grasses. The resulting meat is lean with a rich gamey flavour and contains beneficial Omega 3 fatty acids. The Herdwick At Its Best event takes place on a farm in the heart of Borrowdale on 21 October and aims to improve links between farmers, catering suppliers and the hospitality industry. It will offer an insight into the farming methods that result in lean, succulent Herdwick meat, explain the effect that grazing has on the landscape of the Lake District and Cumbria, and improve understanding of its peak season according to the fell farming year. We think it’s a great example of a very traditional industry working to promote itself to a modern audience. Our herdyfund is about supporting a sustainable rural economy, and by farmers sharing their expertise with others in this way, they can add value to other local businesses too. We want people living in and visiting the area to have a chance to eat top quality, slow grown, free roaming local produce. And while it may not seem like a good idea to an individual Herdwick, we think it certainly benefits their future as a breed! To show our support we’ve helped out with the design and promotion of the event too. If you work locally in the catering or hospitality industries and would like further details, please call us (01539 739202) and ask for Christina or email mailus@herdy.co.uk And if you’re eating out in the Lake District – particularly in late winter / early Spring, ask if they serve Herdwick and consider giving it a try. * While lamb meat tends to come from sheep under a year old, hogget comes from sheep which have passed their first winter, falling between ‘spring lamb’ and mutton.

In 2011 the herdyfund awarded a grant of £1000 to the Buttermere Show and Shepherd’s Meet for 60 new livestock hurdles, used to manage and show prize Herdwick sheep. The hurdles are used at both the Loweswater Show each September and the Buttermere Show each October, and replaced ones swept away by severe flooding in November 2009. Their loss was a significant blow to these traditional agricultural shows, which act as important social events for local farmers and communities. The events also benefit the local economy by drawing in spectators and visitors.  The herdyfund grant of £1,000 allowed the hurdles to be replaced, putting these traditional community events on a much firmer footing.

Sheep ID - herdyfund technology for hill farms  It’s annoying getting caught without ID, but it’s not something most sheep have to worry about. In addition to their regular identification ear tags, they are being issued with electronic versions that allow farmers to distinguish between individual sheep. The herdy fund recently awarded a grant of £1,000 to the Herdwick Sheep Breeders’ Association (HSBA) so that they could buy a hand held scanner and associated software to read the ear tags. The technology will help the Association as they build up a comprehensive database of thousands of Herdwick sheep spread across hundreds of hill farms.  During the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak there was a serious concern that the concentration of Herdwicks in the Lake District could mean that the breed could be decimated if extensive culling became necessary in the area. The HSBA’s database which records exactly where Herdwicks are farmed will provide a basis for protecting their genes, to ensure that the breed survives in the future. And recording individual sheep identities will help the Association plan sound breeding programmes which ensure a strong and healthy breed in the future, with a view to developing new and profitable markets for Herdwick sheep and produce.  HSBA secretary Amanda Carson tried out the new scanner at Turner Hall Farm, which is owned and farmed by HSBA member Anthony Hartley. Amanda said, “The technology will make it much quicker for the Association to register Herdwick tups that meet the breed standard when we visit sales, shows and individual farms. This technology isn’t cheap, so is beyond the reach of most individual hill farmers”.  The herdy fund was set up to provide grants and funding to enterprises and organisations promoting the conservation of the Herdwick sheep and rural lifestyle associated with upland fell farming in Cumbria and the Lakes. Here at herdy we are delighted to be able to give something back to the region where we live and work, and which inspires us. The Herdwick Sheep Breeders Association represents many unsung heroes who farm often remote inhospitable places. We hope the scanner will help this traditional farming system to have a future.