Forty Farms - Conversations about change in the landscapes of Cumbria

Product Information

Rhian Harris, Chief Executive Lakeland Arts says, “As an arts and heritage charity, Lakeland Arts encourages creativity and the exploration of landscape and identity. We’re delighted to be hosting Forty Farms which brings to life the stories of local farmers who for generations have been fundamental in shaping the landscape and culture of this region.” An introductory panel and 40 large-format panels are displayed along our Low Sizergh Barn farm trail. They capture the dedication and passion of farming families who are working with nature, following regenerative practices, producinghigh-quality food, ensuring high animal welfare standards, and maintaining and improving our landscapes, environment, and rural economy. Opening of the Forty Farms Photographic Exhibition Trail at Low Sizergh near Kendal. The exhibition by Photographer Amy Bateman in association with H&H Group features photos taken on 40 farms throughout Cumbria. : 18 November 2023

Now people will have the chance to see her images in a unique setting – as they are being installed outdoors, along a two-mile farm and woodland walk at Low Sizergh Barn, on the outskirts of Kendal.Visit the new exhibition by Amy Bateman in our People’s Gallery from the 16th of November until the 23rd of March 2024. Amy is British Life Photographer of the Year. She is the author and photographer behind the Lakeland Book of the Year – ‘Forty Farms.’ Over the course of a year, Amy conducted frank conversations about the financial challenge of farming in post-Brexit Britain; the tightrope balance of producing quality food in nature-rich landscapes; and the highs and lows of working in an area internationally famed for its beauty. Fell Foot Farm, Little Langdale, and ‘Lakeland Farm Visitor Centre’, Ings – Beef, education, hospitality, sheep Amy’s life through a lens came after having children. Having giving up her previous career to look after them at home on the farm, the camera went with her, capturing their early years along with farm life. She won British Life Photographer of the year and she is now a commercial photographer. Surviving adversity. Join cake maker extraordinaire Lisa Smith owner and founder of Ginger Bakers as she shares her personal journey of turning an idea into a business.

Producers include Ginger Bakers, Heartwood Poultry, Torpenhow Cheese Co, Home Grown Here, Lovingly Artisan, Pennington’s Spirits, Eden Yard, the Legendary Sauce Co, Oubas Knitwear, Dodgson Wood and Laura’s Loom. Visitors can spend time browsing over 35 stands selling food, drink and handmade gifts and crafts, as well as meeting some of the Cumbrian Farmers and local producers who have created them.

Testimonial

The Exhibition (in Association with H&H) features the remarkable work of British Life Photographer of the Year, Amy Bateman, and records the stories and images of Forty Farms in Cumbria during a time of profound change. Dalefoot Farm ('Dalefoot Composts'), Heltondale near Penrith – Compost, peatland restoration, sheep Over the course of 12 months Amy spoke with the farmers about the financial challenge of farming; about the tightrope balance of producing quality food in a nature-rich landscape; and about the highs and lows of working in a landscape known, and loved, internationally. The Forty Farms book features contributions from author James Rebanks and L’Enclume’s Simon Rogan and veteran damson grower Harley Trotter. The book evolved into the Forty Farms exhibition. A unique insight into the everyday lives, fears and hopes of 40 extraordinary farmers, through photography, products, film and words. Created by photographer and farmer Amy Bateman. Some of the 40 farmers featured are our customers and it is a privilege to be able to highlight their work through this farm-based outdoor exhibition of Amy’s wonderful images.”