Herdwicks galloping

This is the sound of Pam Hall's Herdwick flock galloping through an open gate. The Herdwick is a hardy breed of sheep with sturdy legs and a strong, characterful fleece. Herdwicks are great jumpers and are difficult to secure within a field; they are the very colour of the stones and rocks and becks and grey skies that comprise the Cumbrian landscape. Herdwicks also have an incredible feeling for their home. Raised often on common lands, they are described by farmers as being "hefted" to their hill. What this means is that they never forget the place where they grew up as a lamb, and as an adult sheep, they have a powerful instinct to return there. In interviewing Cumbrian farmers, I heard many stories of Herdwick sheep that died in the process of trying to return home. There is something very strong and determined about this breed of Lakeland sheep, and I fancy you can hear it in the thundering sound of their hooves as they move in a herd through an open gate, together.