A Shepherd's Life

In a digital era, the life of a Herdwick shepherd may belong to a bygone era. However, theirs is not a life disconnected from time but rather profoundly attuned to our world's seasonal rhythms. By virtue of the ageless, essentially unchanging cycles of fell sheep farming, their work is a testament to continuity—an unbroken link with the past. The shepherd's dedication to their flock and the skill demanded by their work, which includes preserving the environment's delicate balance, take precedence over the artificial distractions of our modern age, making their life a fascinating contrast to our own.

The Year Unfolding

Herdwick in all its moments of seasonal diversity. Each month, a colour palette iconically Lakeland, signing nature’s markers for when things need to be done on the farm and fell.

There's no perfect time to experience the beauty. Each season tells a unique story — from the changing hues of the fells to the shifting patterns of clouds and light. Weather fluctuations can bless or challenge a photographer, whether within a month or even a single day. Yet, amidst these variables, the blend of Cumberland, Westmorland, and North Lancashire offers a canvas that ignites my creative mind.

My work aims to capture the fell-farming existence here, devoid of contrivance or romanticisation. The pictures in this book reflect the truth of Herdwick country—honest, unfiltered life. From my most loved moments, I've distilled a narrative of one notional year, showcasing the enduring specialness of this place and its inhabitants.

This photographic journey, supplemented with insightful captions, commences in March, a month teetering between winter's grasp and the promise of spring. As lambs await their moment of arrival, each valley prepares for a metamorphosis of colour and renewal.