United Kingdom: National Trust in the Lake District: A Conversation with Jane Saxon on Heritage, Relationships, and the Future of Farming – European Commons and OECMsThis article was adapted by Diana Neacsu from an interview with Jane Saxon by Harriet Fraser
Photo: Looking across Derwent Water towards Cat Bells and Derwent Common ©Rob Fraser
The Lake District, with its rugged hills and sweeping valleys, holds a deep historical connection to both conservation and farming. As the General Manager of the National Trust’s North and West Lakes portfolio, Jane Saxon oversees an area that includes 48 farms, 33,000 hectares, and six commons. Her role is not just about land management but also about balancing the relationships between the farmers, the landscape, and the ever-changing environment. Through collaboration, Jane and her team work to preserve a way of life that has defined the region for centuries.
The Importance of Relationships and Hefted Flocks
As we sit down with Jane in her office on a rainy day, she talks about the importance of the relationships between the National Trust and the commoners, the farmers who have grazed their sheep on these lands for generations. It’s a recurring theme in our conversation—without strong relationships, nothing can move forward. “The National Trust may be the landowners, but the farmers, the commoners, are the ones out there, working the land day in and day out,” Jane emphasizes. Her philosophy is clear: successful land management is a partnership.
Photo: Jane Saxon, General Manger, National Trust, North and West Lakes. ©Rob Fraser
At one point, Jane pauses, as if picturing the vast expanse of the fells from a high vantage point like Great Gable or Robinson. She speaks about the hefting system, a practice unique to the Lake District. “It goes back to the hefted flocks that we want to protect on all our farms,” Jane reflects. Hefting is an ancient system where sheep are taught to graze in specific areas, known as “hefts,” and this knowledge is passed down through generations of sheep. The sheep know where they belong, even though there are no physical fences separating different flocks.
Jane is determined to preserve this system. “We stated a number of years ago that none of our farms would be amalgamated, they would all remain individual farms, and we’re sticking to that: it’s important to protect those hefted flocks,” she explains. Active shepherding plays a vital role in keeping this system alive, ensuring that flocks stay within their traditional grazing areas. Many farmers have been farming here for decades – and some following on from generations before; others are new. Jane is enthusiastic about new, younger farmers coming in, particularly those who are skilled with dogs, as they are integral to managing these unfenced commons. “It’s all part of caring for the land,” she says.
Photo: Commoner Craig Fearon gathering Herdwick sheep on Langstrath Common, one of the commons in the National Trust’s northwest portfolio ©Rob Fraser
A Growing Focus on Skills and Sustainable Practices
As Jane talks about these new entrants, she is excited about their potential. These young farmers are not only skilled in shepherding but are also open to integrating modern conservation practices into their work. “We’re seeing more young farmers talking about tree plans, hedge laying, and other skills that are essential to maintaining the Lake District’s unique landscape,” Jane says. The National Trust is keen to foster these skills and is exploring ways to set up a hub for rural skills training. This would include traditional crafts like drystone walling and hedge laying, alongside new lessons in water and soil quality, key elements for building resilient landscapes.
One of the most important aspects of these farming practices is understanding how they connect with nature. Jane reflects on the relationship that farmers have not just with their flocks, but with the broader environment. “It’s interesting what you say about the commoner’s relationship with their dog and the flock,” she says, “but their relationship with nature is there too.” In recent years, the National Trust has worked to make this connection more explicit, weaving conversations about sustainability and conservation into the daily life of farming.
Navigating Change in a Dynamic Landscape
Photo: Jane Saxon with Commoners from Kinniside and Nether Wasdale, and Becky Willson from Farm Carbon Toolkit ©Rob Fraser
Managing land in the Lake District comes with its own set of challenges, particularly in a world where climate change is a growing concern. Jane is candid about the difficulties she faces in finding a balance between preserving cultural heritage and adapting to modern environmental needs. “If we have another storm like Storm Desmond, and a river knocks down walls, do we need to put those back because that is the cultural heritage?” Jane asks. The devastation caused by Storm Desmond in 2015 remains fresh in her memory, and the question of how to prepare for future climate extremes is at the forefront of her mind.
Flood risk management is a key focus, with solutions ranging from planting more trees to allowing rivers to return to their natural courses. But these changes require cooperation from local farmers, many of whom are cautious about how these interventions will affect their land. “We have some commoners who are really engaged and others who are wary about interventions,” Jane acknowledges. Resistance often stems from fear—fear of what change might bring and how it might impact productivity. But as Jane points out, when these changes succeed, they are worth celebrating.
Photo: JWater levels that rise after rainfall © Rob Fraser
One of Jane’s proudest accomplishments is how open the conversation around these interventions has become. “The new entrants aren’t afraid to talk about these things, and that’s something we encourage. We want to make sure we don’t lose these traditional skills, but we also want to support learning about new practices that will help us face the challenges ahead,” she says.
A Personal Journey
The conversation with Jane is long, and as the rain stops and the sky begins to clear, we step outside. As the cold wind rushes through the trees, Jane reflects on her personal journey since moving to Cumbria from the northeast of England. “I love the fells, I love being out, and it’s an important part of my wellbeing,” she says. However, her relationship with the landscape has evolved over time. “I began by seeing the Lake District fells as a ‘playground,’ but I’ve come to understand just how much work goes into looking after them.”
For Jane, this understanding has deepened her respect for the people who work the land. “It’s not about me working on my own,” she says. “It’s about my team, our tenants, the commoners, and our external partners. We’re not always going to see eye to eye, but we’ve got to work together, and we’ve got to be able to have robust conversations.”
Jane’s commitment to progress is clear. “If someone tells me they’ve been let down in the past, I say, let’s move on. I’m here to change it. Let’s make progress.” With this attitude, Jane is advocating for a future where the Lake District’s farms and commons can thrive, not just as a place of historical significance, but as a living, breathing landscape that adapts to the challenges of the 21st century.
This article has been adapted from the Commons Stories post reflecting on a conversation between Jane Saxon and Harriet Fraser.