The Station to host screening of award-winning farming film

An award-winning documentary exploring life on a North Pennines farm is set to be screened in Richmond next month.

The Station will host a special showing of Farming on the Edge on Friday, May 15 at 7pm, followed by a panel discussion.

The film, which won Best Documentary at the Sunderland Shorts Film Festival, follows farmers Paul and Jen Johnson over the course of a year at their farm in Upper Teesdale. It explores how they work in harmony with nature while managing the challenges of farming in a remote and often harsh environment.

The project was developed through the Tees-Swale: Naturally Connected initiative, led by the North Pennines National Landscape in partnership with the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, and supported by funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Chris Woodley-Stewart, director of the North Pennines National Landscape, said the film highlights the realities of farming in upland areas.

He said: “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.”

The film was produced in partnership with Film on the Brain, with filmmaker Matthew Wood describing the project as a rewarding experience.

He said: “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, chief executive of Richmondshire Building Preservation Trust, which operates The Station, said the venue was proud to host the screening.

She said: “Bringing together farmers, conservationists and the wider community for conversations like this is at the heart of what we do.”

The evening will include a panel discussion, offering audiences the chance to hear directly from those involved in farming and nature recovery.

Tickets and further information are available here.