Reinstating rare shard fencing, in the upper Lickle Valley

Neill Cooper, Celia Caulcott, and their children Joshua, their land manager,  and Anna, represent the second and third generations of their family to manage the farm at Jackson Ground near Broughton-in-Furness.

Farming in the valley dates back centuries, with many of the farmsteads being recognised in the very early sixteenth century. The valley, and the area, is rich in examples of traditional farming practices that are an important part of the Lake District.

In 2018, the family  launched a long-term restoration programme for the farm. At the end of 2022, with the support of a Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) grant, they were able to execute an early part of their plan: to reinstate 260 metres of shard fencing. This fencing, organised into four sections, restores crucial boundaries between fields and between the field and the road.

What is a shard fence?

Shard fences are constructed from locally sourced slate or stone shards, which naturally split into thick slabs. These slabs are set upright in the ground, forming a durable, stock-proof boundary for cattle and sheep. At Jackson Ground, smaller shards were placed atop a dry-stone wall.

Due to their uneven surfaces, creating a seamless, gap-free fence requires both skill and patience. The fences are reinforced with a hedge, which also serves as a green corridor for wildlife.

Shard fences are relatively rare and found predominantly in the Lickle and Coniston valleys, extending to Hawkshead. They represent a distinctive and culturally significant aspect of regional land management.

At Jackson Ground, the shards vary in size, with the tallest reaching about five feet (1.5 metres) and requiring a digger for placement. The smallest shards can be lifted a short distance by a strong individual. The installation process involved a team of up to three people and a digger, taking several months to complete.

Heavy, patient work

The labour-intensive process included:

1. Clearing the area: removing vegetation and old fencing to prepare the site.
2. Extracting shards: locating and digging out the slate shards.
3. Positioning shards: transporting the shards to their designated spots and ensuring a snug fit.
4. Setting the shards: creating channels for the shards and securing them firmly in place.
5. Installing gates: purchasing and hanging locally made traditional larch gates where needed.

Three big benefits

Reinstating the shard fence brings numerous benefits. It enhances stock management and grazing practices, creates a vital wildlife corridor, and preserves an important agricultural heritage feature for another century. Additionally, it revitalises the traditional skills needed to rebuild a shard fence, which are still a part of modern farming.

On a personal level, this project aligns with the family's vision to develop a sustainable approach to land management, balancing nature recovery and food production, whilst recognising the historic farming practices in the upper Lickle area. It also supports the farm's long-term goal of positively impacting climate change and contributing to the cultural value of the Lake District, a World Heritage Site.