Farming, especially sheep farming, has throughout history been the major industry of the Lake District. The breed that is associated with the area is the Herdwick.

Sheep farming is still important to the economy of the Lake District, but it is also essential for the preservation of the landscape. Approximately 90% of Herdwick sheep farming takes place in the central and western dales of the Lake District.

Other farming that takes place in the region is silage and dairy farming. There are also important salmon fisheries by the Eden, Derwnt, Tweed and Tyne Rivers. A number of plantations of non-native tress located throughout the region. The Kielder Forrest is a major timber producer in England; it is also the largest forested area in the country.

The Herdwick sheep are considered to be the toughest of all Britain's breeds of hill sheep. Herdwicks have gained a reputation for foraging ability even in the most difficult terrain, often not receiving any supplementary feed.

They are usually taken from the hill after three or four lambings when they are ale to produce many more crops of lambs. Herdwicks wool is generally low quality and low value. Breeders concentrate on keeping the Herdwick as an active and strong boned sheep of good conformation.

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