School and educational resources

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We are developing educational materials to help schools bring the story of the Lake District’s fell farms into the classroom. These resources will introduce students to traditional hill farming, common land, sheep hefting, and the role of farmers in shaping the landscape, through lesson packs with activities on farming, ecology, and land use.

By bringing these resources to life, we hope to foster a deeper connection between visitors, schools, and the farming communities that sustain the Lake District.

Join us in exploring the hidden history of fell farming!

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Resources

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This colouring sheet pack is all about getting to know fell sheep and their world while having fun!

  • Start with a dot-to-dot of a horned sheep standing proud on the fells – can you complete the outline and bring it to life?
  • Next, design your own smit marks on a woolly sheep using bright colours and bold shapes, just like the real marks used by Cumbrian shepherds to tell their flocks apart.
  • Then, imagine and draw your own hefted sheep family, showing where they live on the fell and what they might see through the seasons.

These activities are inspired by real flocks and real farmers to help youngsters learn while getting creative! Great for schools, long walks, rainy days, or any time you want to get closer to the land.

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Activity Book

This activity booklet is your guide to discovering what makes hill farming in Lakeland so special. Packed with quizzes, puzzles, drawing prompts, and writing activities, it’s designed to help children explore:

  • How common land works, and why it’s been shared for hundreds of years
  • What it means for sheep to be hefted, and how they pass that knowledge on
  • How Lakeland shepherds use smit and lug marks to care for their flocks
  • What you might spot while out walking in Cumbria with your family or class

Whether you’re working through this at school or on a visit to the hills, this booklet helps you see the land through the eyes of the people and animals who live and work there. Learning about the fells is just the beginning – now you can draw them, describe them, and imagine yourself among them!

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Get in touch!

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.

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