In the snow-covered fields of Westmorland, a small flock of Rough Fell ewes has been observed digging shelters in the snow to protect themselves from the harsh winter weather. The black-faced mountain sheep, a breed native to the region, were seen quietly grazing on small patches of grass at the bottom of holes they had excavated in the snow.
According to a report from 8 January 1951, the field was crisscrossed with straight lines of hoofprints leading to these snow caves. Each ewe had created its own shelter, ensuring a warm and cosy refuge even if the snow continued to fall and cover the entrances.
The sheep, belonging to a local farmer named John, were described as looking like dark boulders against the white landscape. Despite the storm, they appeared unharmed and well-adapted to the conditions, calmly cropping grass from the small exposed patches within their snow holes.
This observation was recorded in the very first Guardian Country diary by Harry Griffin, who went on to write about the Lake District for over five decades until his final diary in 2004.
