Forty Farms - Conversations about change in the landscapes of Cumbria

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Photographer Amy Bateman captured agricultural life across Cumbria in her project, which has been exhibited and turned into a book.

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 Nibthwaite Grange ('Dodgson Wood'), Crake Valley near Coniston – Arts & crafts, beef, sheep, tourismSome 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.” 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. Forty Farms has developed a life of its own as an exhibition in the Gallery at Rheged opened in September 2022 and received over 60,000 visitors, a full-colour book published by David and much more. The exhibition moved to the Windermere Jetty and is currently being curated for the Food Museum, Stowmarket, East Anglia, to open in May 2024 until feb 2025. In March 2021, British Life Photographer of the Year Amy Bateman embarked on a journey to record the stories of Forty Farms in Cumbria. Forty Farms was Published in Sept 2022. It won Lakeland Book of the Year the book has also become a successful Photographic touring exhibition.

Dalefoot Farm (‘Dalefoot Composts’), Heltondale near Penrith – Compost, peatland restoration, sheep In March 2021, British Life Photographer of the Year Amy Bateman embarked on a journey to record the stories of Forty Farms in the Lake District and Cumbria. Aiden Monks, of Lovingly Artisan, a multi-award-winning sourdough bakery near Kendal, takes to the stage at 1.30pm and will share some bread baking hints and tips as well as some insight as to why the bread you eat can have a significant impact on your gut health and immune system.The book reveals frank conversations about the financial challenges experienced by upland farmers; the tightrope balance of producing quality food in nature-rich protected landscapes; and the highs and lows of working in an area internationally famed for its beauty. The farm trail, which is just under 2 miles, starts just outside of our late 17th-century Westmorland stone barn that houses the farm shop and café.

It features contributions from, among others, best-selling author James Rebanks, L’Enclume’s Simon Rogan and veteran damson grower Harley Trotter. The book evolved into the Forty Farms exhibition. There will be times when part of the Forty Farms exhibition can’t be viewed temporarily because the learning centre is being used for an activity.Our family farm, some of our wonderful producers, and our farming friends, feature in a brand new exhibition offering a unique insight into the everyday lives, fears and hopes of 40 extraordinary farmers throughout Cumbria. Amy will also be offering photography workshops, open to all levels of ability, at the museum on Friday 12 th of January and Saturday the 24 th of February, for sale here. Nibthwaite Grange (‘Dodgson Wood’), Crake Valley near Coniston – Arts & crafts, beef, sheep, tourism British Life Photographer of the Year, and Cumbrian farmer, Amy Bateman’s acclaimed exhibition Forty Farms will be at Windermere Jetty Museum, which is run by Lakeland Arts, from March 4 to June 4. I hope this exhibition will take you beyond the farm gate into the lives of farmers and change perceptions of how the countryside is managed. The rural urban divide feels wider than ever, and my hope is that this exhibition can play a part in narrowing the gulf between food producers, farmers and consumers.”

I am delighted to have gone into partnership with H&H group to develop the exhibition as an outdoor exhibition onto weatherproof panels and will be touring the country, starting at Low Sizergh Barn in November 2023. Fell Foot Farm, Little Langdale, and 'Lakeland Farm Visitor Centre', Ings – Beef, education, hospitality, sheep 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.

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.”