Farming Landscapes Project a partnership between Friends of the Lake District and the Cumbria Farmer Network. It aims to raise awareness of local produce and the link between farming, food and the landscape – what you see and what you eat. It involves about 50 farmers and up to 30 volunteers over the three year period. The volunteers will work with farmers to put on a wide range of events that may include  themed walks, activities for the whole family and opportunites to to sample local produce.

The project results from a successful bid to the Cumbria Fells & Dales and Solway Border & Eden Local Action Groups for funding from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.

Seventeen events took place in 2010 that attracted nearly 300 participants. The second season of events came to a close on October 15th 2011 with a walk at Brockstones Farm in the Kentmere valley. This was the last of 48 events held on 46 farms across Cumbria this year. Over 600 adults and 150 children visited a wide variety of farms from traditional upland farms to ice cream producers. They saw sheep dog demonstrations, learnt about how farmers work commons and got a chance to buy some local produce.

Over 300 completed a feedback form - 81% said they enjoyed the event ‘lots - it was fantastic' and 96% said they would go on another one. Over 60% said that they know knew more about the range of work farmers undertake, were more aware of how farming and the environment are linked and knew more about the current challenges faced by farmers. This translated into 46% who said that they would now support farmers by buying local produce.

These events have been well received because of the hard work and effort of the farmers and families who held an event and the support provided by volunteers undertaking a wide variety of tasks. Thanks to all these farmers and volunteers who made the season such a success.

Planning has already started for the 2012 season, which will be the final year of the Farming Landscapes project. We are developing a programme of about 60 events running throughout Cumbria. To find out more about these events watch this space or get in contact to be put on our mailing list. We will be able to send out the events guide by e-mail or in the post. To get an idea of the kind of events put on see the 2011 guide.

A special magazine celebrating Cumbria's farming landscapes has been produced as part of the Farming Landscapes Project. These are handed out at events but click here to download a copy to check it out.