The Lakeland Shepherds’ Guide has been a vital part of hill farming life since it was first published in 1817 by J. Walker. This unique reference book records registered sheep marks - including lug marks (ear markings), smit marks (wool markings), and in some cases, horn marks - helping farmers identify and return stray sheep to their rightful owners.
On the open fells of the Lake District, where common grazing lands have no fences, sheep can sometimes wander far from home. During gathers, farmers often find strays in their pens, some are ewes trying to return to their heft, while others are simply adventurous wanderers. The Shepherds’ Guide has long been the go-to resource for tracking down owners and reuniting sheep with their flocks.
Updated every 20 years, the 2025 edition continues this tradition, featuring detailed sheep markings from flocks across 13 Lakeland valleys. True to its heritage, the information has been collected by local farmers through nominated valley collectors.
For the first time, the Shepherds’ Guide is now available online, offering a searchable and updatable database for Lakeland farmers with fell-going flocks. This website also serves as a hub of information on hill farming, commoning, traditional sheep breeds, and their role in the Lake District’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Whether you're a farmer, researcher, or simply someone who loves the Lake District, we hope this resource deepens your understanding of the region’s farming heritage and the incredible work of its shepherds.
The Lakeland Shepherds Guide 2025 is therefore the latest chapter in a 200-year-old tradition, updated every 20 years by and for the fell farming communities of Cumbria. At its heart, the Guide records the names, hefts, and smit marks of the fell-going flocks that graze the commons of Lakeland, a farming practice recognised by UNESCO for its cultural significance.
This website brings the guide to life for a wider audience. For farmers, it offers a searchable and updatable flockbook. For visitors, schools, and local residents, it’s a place to discover the landscapes, animals, and people who keep this working countryside alive.
Explore resources for schools and children, enjoy activities for all ages, find news and events, or delve into the history of individual farms through our Smit Gather trail. Learn about the animals, the hefts, the farmers, and the land that has shaped and been shaped by centuries of shepherding.
Got a question, idea, or want to get involved? We’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re a farmer, researcher, or just curious about the Shepherds’ Guide, drop us a line. Collaborations and conversations are always welcome.
