Cumbria's stone walls are more than just yard fences; they are an integral part of the region's landscape and history. Defining the typical image of the Lake District, these walls have served an important function in agriculture and conservation for centuries. They are built from the local rocks, usually grey, mossy stones found on the land itself, and they often follow the winding lines of the hills and valleys.
In mountainous Cumbria, where animal husbandry is important, stone walls also help keep sheep, cows and other livestock contained. Sheep, such as the famous Herdwick sheep, graze in the region's open fields and hills. The walls provide a physical barrier that keeps livestock from running away and also from entering unsafe or undesirable areas, such as near river beds or dangerous steep slopes.
In addition, the walls protect livestock from the often harsh weather conditions typical of the Lake District. The steep walls can slow the wind, especially in winter when snowstorms can blanket the landscape. This makes it a kind of natural 'protection mechanism', although farmers always had to be vigilant of the force of nature.
On this walk through the Langdale Valley, I encountered this crumbling wall. In the background, the mountains and soft sunlight.
What started out as the work of pure hobbyists on bright winter days, grew into a large collection of beautiful photographs at all kinds of locations and through all seasons, right across Brabant. Now it is an ever-growing collection of photographs of landscapes, cities, churches and.. Read more…
Germany
Netherlands
Germany
Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands
Germany
Netherlands
Netherlands
Germany
Netherlands
Germany