[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.22″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”3.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]In March 2021, British Life Photographer of the Year, Amy Bateman, embarked on a year-long journey to record the stories of 40 farms across Cumbria. One of the farms she photographed was our farm, Yew Tree Farm, Coniston.
The resulting book called Forty Farms depicts rural life in Cumbria before it is transformed beyond all recognition. Amy travels across the county, from Herdwick-grazed Lake District commons to the open expanses of the Solway marshes; from isolated farmsteads unchanged for generations to businesses leading the charge in innovation and sustainable farming; from world-class sheep breeders to award-winning food producers, creating a visual record of farming during what is a period of profound change.
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.
Forty Farms offers a unique insight into the hopes, fears and everyday lives of 40 extraordinary farmers across Cumbria.
The 336-page hardcover book priced at £29.90 is now available to buy either from the Herdwick Cafe, Coniston, in person when you visit Yew Tree Farm or online from https://www.inspiredbylakeland.co.uk/
Images from the book also form the basis for a major FREE exhibition in the Gallery at Rheged, Penrith, which runs until 04th January 2023. The exhibition is also supported by a Forty Farms Festival of talks, debates, films and creative classes, which will run from September-December, a full programme diary of events can be found at www.rheged.com[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
