With a blue sky and sunshine the temperature nudging 11c and for most of us the snows gone, it is easy to forget the Big Freeze and record low temperatures of the past two months but I suspect we have more winter weather to come before we can say that spring is on the way. In reality though it will not be many weeks before the Borrowdale Herdwicks start to lamb.
Not that many sheep can declare themselves beautiful but the Herdwick is perhaps a suitable contender for that role. Herdwicks have for centuries been as much a part of the Lakeland landscape as the Fells they roam. The heritage defines them as very able to withstand the rigors of the Cumbrian winters, their fleeces both thick enough and rich in oils to protect them from the rains and the cold. Hardy they may be but lambing time is still a time of concern (and hope) for the farmers.
I also wonder how another resident of Borrowdale have managed to cope with this severe winter. Manesty Woods are one of the few habits that still support the nationally rare Red Squirrels. Much effort ( and much credit to the N.T.) has gone into both managing the woodlands and monitoring the larger Grey Squirrel but I fear sightings of Red’s is much less frequent. With all the other threats I am sure they could have done with a less taxing winter climate.
Roll on Spring…..and lets hope for the best.
DAVID OAKES - IMAGES. 