The Station, owned and operated by Richmondshire Building Preservation Trust, will host an exclusive screening of the award-winning short film Farming on the Edge, on Friday 15^th May at 7pm, followed by a panel discussion.

Farming on the Edge, winner of the Best Documentary Award at the Sunderland Shorts Film Festival, was developed through the Tees-Swale: Naturally Connected programme. The film was made possible with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with thanks to National Lottery players.

Produced by the North Pennines National Landscape team in partnership with Film on the Brain, the film follows Paul and Jen Johnson, tenants of the Raby Estate, over the course of a year on their farm in Upper Teesdale. Set within the dramatic landscape of the North Pennines, it explores their approach to farming in harmony with nature and highlights how nature-friendly methods can support thriving wildlife.

Chris Woodley-Stewart, Director of the North Pennines National Landscape, said:
“We would like to thank The National Lottery Heritage Fund for supporting this work, as part of our ‘Tees-Swale: Naturally Connected’ programme. This wonderful film is an insight into the reality of farming in the North Pennines and the daily challenges farmers face in what can be a harsh place to work on the land, especially in winter. Through Tees-Swale we’re working to share farmers’ voices and show how they are at the forefront of nature recovery.”

Filmmaker Matthew Wood of Film on the Brain added:
“It has been a pleasure to work with Paul exploring his connection with the land and the importance of traditional farming. I’m so pleased that Farming on the Edge has been recognised as Best Documentary.”

Gemma Lord, CEO of Richmondshire Building Preservation Trust, said, “We’re delighted to host this important screening at The Station. Bringing together farmers, conservationists and the wider community for conversations like this is at the heart of what we do. These films shine a light on the challenges and opportunities facing our rural landscapes, and we’re proud to provide a space where these stories can be shared and discussed.”

The Tees-Swale programme is led by the North Pennines National Landscape team, in partnership with the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority. This five-year initiative works with farmers and landowners to protect nature and restore and connect habitats at a landscape scale.

The evening is aimed at people who love the area and are interested in finding out more about the people living and working here. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion, offering an opportunity to hear directly from those involved in farming and nature recovery.

Event Details:
Date: Friday 15 May
Time: 7:00pm
Location: The Station, Richmond, North Yorkshire

Tickets and further information are available here.