Herdwicks: The Lake District's "smiley" sheep

With their grey-streaked coats and white heads, the Herdwick sheep are a distinctive feature of the Lake District landscape. They have been dotted around the hilltops for centuries and the breed's survival was helped by the author and illustrator Beatrix Potter. The BBC spent a day with a Herdwick farmer.

Yew Tree Farm, near Coniston, is said to be one of the most photographed buildings in the Lake District and it is easy to see why.

With its centuries-old stone barn and quaint farmhouse bordered by ancient trees and steep, craggy slopes, it is truly picturesque.

The welcome is warm, but the star attractions are found scattered around the fields and fells radiating out of this most idyllic farmstead.

Carrying two large buckets of feed and accompanied by Jack Russell Mo and rescue dog Chloe, Jo leads the way to a field straddling a small ridge.

The neighbouring woods echo with the calls of cuckoos and willow warblers, while swallows dart and dive through the air, skimming the verdant grass being nibbled by Jo's leading ladies and top tups.

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