For a decade National Trust tenant Will Benson has farmed in Grasmere, maintaining traditional practices including rearing the Lake District’s native Herdwick sheep and dry stone walling.
Will rears 500 Herdwick ewes each year on his 280-acre upland fell farm, alongside a small herd of cattle and in 2023, he also took on a 500-acre tenancy at Cinderbarrow Farm. The low-input system and regenerative farming methods he operates supports the National Trust’ nature recovery ambitions, helps keep his costs down, and maintains the cultural landscape and unique farming heritage all of which contributes to sustaining the special qualities of the Lake District National Park.
World Heritage Storylines: Will Benson, farmer
Farming, forestry, nature and climate
The Lake District National Park Partnership is working in collaboration with farmers and land managers across the National Park to deliver nature recovery and climate resilience projects while supporting the continuation of farming and forestry and conservation of cultural heritage.
