Stonethwaite Farm
A Farm with Deep Roots
Stonethwaite Farm is more than just a farm! It’s a piece of Lake District history, shaped by centuries of traditional farming. Nestled in the stunning Borrowdale Valley, this land has been carefully farmed for over 800 years, with its origins dating back to 1195 when it was owned by the monks of Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire. After disputes over land ownership, King Edward confiscated and resold it in 1304, but its legacy as a working farm has never faded.
Today, Stonethwaite Farm continues this tradition, balancing sustainable farming practices with the natural beauty of the surrounding fells. The landscape here is rugged, wild, and breathtaking—a place where farming and conservation work hand in hand to preserve its unique character.
We chose belted galloways (Stonethwaite Galloways is our pedigree name) to be our cattle due to their nature and their hardiness for the intakes as they thrive on harsh, wet and cold climates which in Borrowdale is what we need. They also excel in conservation grazing which is something that is really important for our farm.
A Working Farm With Rich History
Stonethwaite Farm is now home to over 500 Borrowdale Herdwick Sheep, an ancient breed that has roamed these fells for more than 1,000 years. Herdwicks are hardy, independent, and deeply connected to this landscape, known for their ability to thrive in the harshest of conditions.
Our flock is heafed to Langstrath and Coombe Fell, meaning they instinctively stay within their traditional grazing areas without the need for fencing. This age-old farming method helps preserve the delicate balance of the landscape, preventing overgrazing while maintaining the open fellside that makes the Lake District so iconic.
If you’ve ever walked the fells and spotted a Herdwick with its thick wool coat and white face, you’ve witnessed a living piece of Cumbrian heritage. These sheep are integral to the local ecosystem, and their grazing helps maintain the biodiversity of the fells.
What’s Coming Next?
We have exciting plans for the future of Stonethwaite Farm, blending our passion for farming with opportunities to connect people to this special landscape. Some of the things we’re working on include:
- Farm Experiences We’d love to offer opportunities for visitors to learn more about Herdwick sheep, farming life, and the importance of sustainable agriculture in the Lake District.
- Local Produce As we settle into farm life, we hope to share more of our produce.
- Herdwick Conservation & Education With their deep connection to the fells, we’re keen to promote awareness and education around the role of Herdwick sheep in preserving the Lake District’s landscape.
We’re at the start of this journey, but we’re incredibly excited about what the future holds for Stonethwaite Farm.
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Sustainability and Conservation
As new tenants of Stonethwaite Farm, we are committed to farming with the future in mind. The Borrowdale Valley is home to some of the UK’s rarest habitats, including the ancient Borrowdale Rainforest. Farming in this area requires a careful balance between tradition and conservation, ensuring that both the landscape and the local wildlife can thrive.
We believe that farming and nature should work together, and we are actively looking at ways to:
✔️ Improve biodiversity by managing grazing areas to protect wildflowers and native species.
✔️ Support traditional farming methods that have sustained this landscape for centuries.
✔️ Enhance soil health and water retention through responsible land management.
We’re also proud to be farming on land that includes Thorneythwaite, another historic site in Borrowdale, which further strengthens our ability to protect and preserve this unique environment.