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Farming Today: Farming the Lakes

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Farming the Lakes

BBC Radio 4 - Farming Today, Farming the Lakes

Can traditional farming survive in the Lake District?

Caz Graham visits a traditional farm in the Lake District to hear how the family are safeguarding the business for the future.

Isaac and Kerrie Benson are third generation Lake District hill farmers. They breed prize winning Herdwick sheep; the Lake District’s native breed, once championed and loved by Beatrice Potter and now an iconic Lakeland image seen gazing out from countless Cumbrian art galleries and gift shops. But over the last ten years the Bensons have had to face the difficult truth that this traditional method of upland farming alone can’t provide a future for their family. 

Passionate about the traditions of Lakeland hill farming and keen to show the public why it matters, they’ve built a visitor centre on their farm complete with daily Livestock Shows in a purpose built arena and offer a drystone walling experience and spinning workshops. 

Caz Graham visits to find out how ‘Maestro’ - their one tonne bull - is coping with his new celebrity status, how the Bensons have adjusted from running a flock of Herdwicks to running a Lake District visitor attraction and why they’re so committed to telling tourists why they believe modern farms are key to the future and sustainability of England’s most visited National Park

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