Philip Walling talks to David Freeman

Former sheep farmer and barrister Philip Walling says sheep are the golden thread that runs through the history of the British countryside. He talks to broadcaster David Freeman about how he decided to pay homage to his farming roots after 30 years as a barrister. Walling tells the funny and idiosyncratic stories about meeting some of the 60 native breeds that thrive in this country and about their owners and shepherds. He ranges from the mountains of Scotland to Wales, the Pennines, the lowlands of the Midlands, the marshes of Kent and the West Country moors. He finds a rural life running parallel to modern Britain that is struggling to remain unchanged.

Walling started life as a sheep farmer before becoming a barrister. He lives in Northumberland and should be at home on the Blenheim estate where sheep breeds Scotch Mule, Charollais, Romney and Poll Dorset feed on the rich grass.

The lecture will be introduced by Professor Nick Evans, professor of rural geography and director of the Centre for Rural Research.