THE Luing Cattle Society is to hold its first open day in England in the Lake District.

The event will be held at High House Farm, Winster, on Friday, August 1, and is expected to attract 400 farmers, environmentalists and industry leaders.

Held on the Scowcroft family estate overlooking the shores of Lake Windermere, the event is supported by Natural England, who want to highlight the environmental benefits Luings can bring, in terms of protecting and enhancing precious landscapes and habitats.

Alec Smith, farm manager, said: “We have worked hard over the last ten years to establish and grow a pedigree herd of Luing cattle. The Luings have demonstrated many, valuable benefits to our farm and to our landscape.

“We needed a breed that could manage adequately our rough, Lakeland land with minimal intervention, yet still deliver productivity and a high commercial yield. We are delighted to host the open day and share our experience with our visitors.”

Andrew McNee, Luing Cattle Society chairman, said Luings had been a successful and sustainable cattle breed in Scotland since their beginnings in the 1940’s.

“They are a hardy, breed, capable of out-wintering and unaided calving, which makes them a perfect proposition for the rugged landscapes of the English Lake District,” he said.

“In fact, 49pc of the stock from our 2013 annual, Castle Douglas sale, was bought by farmers in Northern England.

Their efficiency can be recognised in environmental terms but with pedigree bulling heifer sales at Castle Douglas averaging 1,261 this year there is proof that their commercial potential is significant as well.”

Simon Humphries, Natural England area manager for Cumbria, said: “Luing cattle are proving to be an excellent native breed to use where conservation grazing is needed and very well-suited to the uplands of Cumbria.

“It’s great news that the Luings are bringing both commercial and environmental benefits to the area, and Natural England is very pleased to support the Open Day.”

The day is free but limited to 400 visitors. There will also be trade stalls and food. People are asked to book in advance at winsterluings.tumblr.com or with Mr Smith on 015394 44060.