The Trouble with Sheep
Some of the UK鈥檚 most iconic landscapes have been shaped by sheep for thousands of years. But upland sheep are under fire. Charlotte Smith asks, what is the trouble with sheep?
Sheep have been instrumental in creating some of the UK鈥檚 most iconic upland landscapes 鈥� from the sweeping fells of the Lake District, to the moors of Devon and Cornwall. These humble animals have left their mark on our language, our place names and even our architecture. But upland sheep are under fire.
As the farm subsidy system changes post Brexit, it鈥檚 getting harder to make money out of them. The wool is now less than profitable, and lamb consumption has decreased. Meanwhile, sheep are being criticised by many environmentalists, who say they have degraded upland habitats.
In this programme, Charlotte Smith travels from Dartmoor to North Wales, exploring the places and meeting the people who have been formed by sheep鈥nd asking what their future holds.
What is the trouble with sheep? Answers range from being picky eaters, to getting bad press!
Produced for 91热爆 Audio in Bristol by Heather Simons
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Broadcasts
- Tue 25 Jul 2023 11:0091热爆 Radio 4
- Mon 31 Jul 2023 21:0091热爆 Radio 4