In March 2020, British Life Photographer of the Year, and Cumbrian farmer, Amy Bateman, embarked on a journey to record the stories of Forty Farms in the Lake District and Cumbria to produce a sumptuous coffee table book.

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, the book is a visual record of farming at a period of profound change. Over the course of a year, Amy conducted frank conversations with the farmers about the financial challenge of farming; about the tightrope balance of producing quality food in a nature-rich landscape; and about the highs and lows of working in area, known, and loved internationally.

With contributions from, among others, best-selling author James Rebanks and L’Enclume’s Simon Rogan, veteran damson grower Harley Trotter and ‘king of the Herdwicks’ Anthony Hartley.

The book has evolved into the Forty Farms Exhibition, offering a unique insight into the everyday lives, fears and hopes of 40 extraordinary farmers, through photography, products, film and words to create an immersive experience.

These images are copyrighted by their author Amy Bateman. They are only for use for Public Relations activities, both print and digital, associated with the Forty Farms exhibition at The Beacon, Whitehaven. They are not to be used in any profit making retail merchandise and any distribution to third parties must be authorised in writing, (digital communication is acceptable) by Amy Bateman. The images must not be edited other than cropping and resizing. Copies held digitally must be destroyed by October 2025 unless an updated image licence is granted. Not for resale. Usage licence granted by Amy Bateman Sept 2024