Obsessed with nature

February is the month for love and I have to confess I've fallen in love with the natives! The native breed of sheep that is the Herdwick Sheep. The picture shows a Herdwick sheep with a red capital H sprayed onto its back - this doesn't stand for Herdwick but stands for Hill Top Farm - the very farm that Beatrix Potter bought in 1905 - and that's another story for another day.

Herdy, Herdwicks, cute sheep, whatever you like to call them, I just LOVE them and the wonderful products that can be made from their wool. I even have a beautiful and practical bag from made from Herdwick Wool made from locally sourced wool of course.

Wool has been at the core of industry in the Lake District and in Ambleside the milling history goes back over 600 years. So while on a tour of the Lake District I will always point out these as they come in a variety of shades depending on their age.

Herdwick lambs are born with mainly black wool and as each year goes by the colour alters from blackish brown to chocolatey brown to dark grey and eventually a greyish shade of white.

Some of my tours include getting up close and having quiet time relaxing with the Herdwicks at a specially developed experience in a very special setting. Herdwick sheep would normally walk away from you if you are out in the countryside but there are some who have realised humans can be rather lovely company and will enjoy a scratch of the neck and a good old fashioned cuddle.

Getting out in nature is proven to be good for relaxation and I fully endorse this with can incorporate visits to Lake District farms in your itinerary.