A PLAGUE of caterpillars is wreaking havoc on the Howgill Fells, pushing thousands of sheep off high grazing land, reports Karen Barden.

Many millions of the Antler Moth larva are munching their way down the hillside, leaving hundreds of acres of decimated grassland in their wake.

The strange phenomenon, which last happened 12 years ago, is robbing farmers of vital feeding areas.

"It's a desperate situation," said John Jackson, of Newbiggin-on-Lune.

"There are no sheep left over two or three hundred acres. The ground looks dead. Caterpillars have eaten huge areas of grass."

Farmers say half their grazing land has disappeared in the month-long invasion, which could last for another couple of weeks before the insect intruders become docile chrysalises.

Vast numbers of sheep have retreated to lowland, not yet under caterpillar bombardment.

Another Howgill farmer, who did not want to be named, said he had lived in the area all his life and had never seen an attack like it. Areas of Dent and Garsdale have been affected for the first time.

John Lancaster, of Kendal NFU, said an expert from ADAS was investigating the curiosity.

One shocked Howgills' walker found air vents in her jacket were full of caterpillars and another went to Sedbergh's National Park office to report strange happenings in the hills.

Farmers are left worrying how they are going to feed their flocks, predicting it will be at least September before the ground starts to recover.

Retired Sedbergh biology teacher John Mounsey said although caterpillar numbers were vast, like voles and lemmings, many would not survive, falling victim to parasites, disease and birds. Even foxes and dogs ate them.

An Ulverston moth enthusiast said the acid soil of the Howgills was perfect breeding ground for Antlers, which as caterpillars ate day and night, taking in large quantities.

"It's like Christmas all the time for them," said Bill Kydd.

Farmers blamed the plague on the weather, but according to the experts, it is just one of nature's mysteries.

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