The Dogs of Windcutter Down - Hardcover

David Kennard

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0755312562 ISBN 13: 9780755312566

Publisher: Headline Book Publishing, 2005

Synopsis

"There is no good flock without a good shepherd, and no good shepherd without good dogs." These age-old words of wisdom have always guided Devon sheep farmer David Kennard. But as he battles to save his farm from extinction, they resonate more loudly - and unexpectedly - than ever. The storm clouds are already gathering when Borough Farm suffers a succession of potentially disastrous setbacks. Suddenly the Kennard family's idyllic life is under threat. How much longer can they stay afloat financially? Will David be the last shepherd to tend to his flock in this corner of rural England? Or is there a way to achieve the seemingly impossible - make a living through farming sheep in the 21st century? As he fights for survival, David knows he will be able to rely - as always - on his faithful sheepdogs Greg, Swift, Gail, Fern and Ernie. But even he is surprised when the dogs prove to be Borough Farm's secret weapon...A compelling portrait of a way of life that is as enviable as it is challenging.

About this title

From the Inside Flap:

""There is no good flock without a good shepherd, and no good shepherd without good dogs." "
These age-old words of wisdom have always guided Devon sheep farmer David Kennard. But as he battles to save his farm from extinction, they take on a greater weight than ever.
The storm clouds are already gathering when Borough Farm suffers a series of disastrous setbacks that threaten the Kennard family's traditional way of life. Though the farm has survived foot and mouth disease, an invasion of stray sheep, and the threat of disease, a malfunctioning tractor and a sickly sheepdog all add to the farm's daily pressures. How much longer can they stay afloat financially? And will David be the last shepherd to tend his flock in this rugged corner of England? Is there a way to achieve the seemingly impossible---making a living through farming sheep in the twenty-first century?
A shepherd since the age of seventeen, David offers an honest and affectionate, often comic picture of life on his sheep farm. But throughout this gentle meditation on his family's rural way of life, David is in a fight for that life, and for the survival of his family and farm. He must rely---as always---on his faithful sheepdogs Greg, Swift, Gail, Fern, and Ernie. But even he is surprised when the dogs---and the new dog on the farm---exceed his expectations and prove to be Borough Farm's secret weapon. Praise for "The Dogs of Windcutter Down"
"A loving tribute to an endangered way of life."--"Kirkus Reviews"
Praise for "A Shepherd's Watch"
"The appeal of Kennard's story is the enduring cycle of man, sheep, dog, and a wild, depopulated countryside. A beautiful book."--"The Bark "magazine
"An honest and affectionate book about rural life, a Herriot-style homage to the countryside."--"Mail on Sunday"
"A runaway literary success . . . one of those surprise publishing sensations."--"The Guardian"
"Marvelously atmospheric, it is also a magnificent tribute to a laborious yet uncomplicated mode of life that has all but vanished."--"The Good Book Guide "
"A gentle meditation on the relationship between a sheep farmer and his environment."--"The Western Mail "
"A beautiful book that should grace the shelves of many lovers of the countryside."--"Newmarket"" Journal"

About the Author:

David Kennard's name has become a familiar one in the nation's media, featuring in the Mail on Sunday, Daily Telegraph and The Times as well as on the BBC's Countryfile, Radio Four and on his bestselling video and DVD, The Year of the Working Sheepdog. He lives in North Devon with his wife Debble, three children Clare, Laura and Nick - and, of course, his dogs Greg, Swin, Gail, Ernie and Fem.

About this edition

• Publisher: Headline Book Publishing
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0755312562
• ISBN 13: 9780755312566
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 288