A Future for Hill Farming? Panel Discussion and first showing of ‘Common Ground’ in Shap, Cumbria
The Old Courthouse at Shap, Cumbria was packed on 20th October 2025 for the first public showing of the film ‘Common Ground’ followed by a panel discussion tackling the topic, ‘A Future for Hill Farming?’
Julia Aglionby chairing the Panel Discussion
Organised by the Old Courthouse as part of their Fell Farming Heritage month the evening was arranged to promote discussion among the local community and those further field about how we can support a future for Fell Farming. Over the last 30 years many farms have disappeared from the local landscape and more recently the Government has withdrawn financial support for these most precious places and communities leading to further strains for businesses.
The evening started with the first public showing of ‘Common Ground’, a 20 minute spine tingling film directed by Sarah Beddington about commoning in the Lake District. Made possible through the assistance of ‘Our Upland Commons, a National Lottery Heritage Fund project led by the Foundation for Common Land Sarah’s film evokes the huge challenges of running hill farms with support changing since the departure from the European Union. The film conveyed the deep cultural heritage of the communities built up over hundreds of years as well as how some farming communities are working hard to adapt and deliver for the environment alongside their flocks and cattle.
The panel discussion was chaired by Julia Aglionby, Executive Director of the Foundation for Common Land and included; Adam Day (managing director of the Farmer Network), Craig Fearon (hill farmer from Borrowdale), Sam Beaumont (hill farmer from Watermillock), Annabelle Kennedy (Cumbria Connect) and Cath Marsh (Natural England).
Our Upland Commons Materials in the exhibition using pictures by Somewhere Nowhere
Julia Aglionby commented; “The questions for the panel were varied and evoked the passions felt towards the heritage of commoning and fell farming. Topics included the loss of hefted flocks, should we have a tourist tax to support hill farming, and how to encourage mixed grazing with cattle and ponies as well as sheep. There was an understanding of finding the sweet spot for farming and the environment. Also a wish to ensure new civil servants and Ministers in Whitehall understand the value hill farming brings to this National Park, its 18 million visitors as well as areas of common land across Cumbria.”
The accompanying exhibition continues until 16th November with more special events. Please see the Old Courthouse Shap’s website for more details https://www.theoldcourthouse.org