Old Traditions

Unlike most other modern farming methods, old traditions die hard in the hills. Due to their inaccessible and hostile nature, the hills are untouched by modern machinery. With the exception of the modern quad bike little has changed in the way the sheep are gathered, shepherded and fed.

The ewes are gathered off the hills 4/5 times a year to scan, mark the lambs shear the ewes, wean the lambs and finally to dip the ewes. The "Cyfnewid" tradition of each neighbour gathering in turn and helping one another is still as important now as ever. As the ewes are shorn in July every farm in the locality has its gathering and shearing dates. These have not changed in generations and with 6/7 shepherd needed to gather some hills this ensures it’s a busy time of the year for the them and more so for their dogs.

Nothing compensates a team of good working dogs on the hill with the Welsh breed as popular as ever. The Huntaway is another breed favoured due to its ability to move hundreds of sheep through its deep continuous barking.

Horses still play an important role on many hill farms due to their ability access difficult terrain, be it across the hill side on a narrow sheep path or through the vast wetland bogs, that are common on the hill tops. An experienced horse will often lead the shepherd through it, instinctively knowing where the wettest parts are.

The farming systems have changed little over generations, with "Hafod a Hendre" being a fine example. This refers to the practice of ewes grazing the hills during the Summer months then being brought down to lowland pastures during the Winter months.