40 Farms: Conversations about change in the landscapes of Cumbria

In March 2021, British Life Photographer of the Year Amy Bateman embarked on a journey to record the stories of forty farms in Cumbria. 

From the Herdwick-grazed Lake District commons to the big-sky Solway marshes; from isolated farmsteads unchanged in generations to businesses at the cutting-edge of innovation; from world-class sheep breeders to award-winning cheese-makers, Forty Farms is a visual record of farming at a period of profound change. 

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. 

With contributions from, among others, best-selling author James Rebanks, L’Enclume’s Simon Rogan, veteran damson-grower Hartley Trotter and ‘king of the Herdwicks’ Anthony Hartley, Forty Farms offers a unique insight into the hopes, fears and everyday lives of 40 extraordinary farmers.

In this two-way conversation, publisher David Felton speaks with author, photographer and farmer Amy about what she learned during the making of the book. Identifying common themes that emerged from her 40 conversations, Amy will go on to highlight stories around some of her favourite images, before talking about farms that most inspired her during her travels.