A SHORT documentary by Skipton-based filmmaker, Ruth Garrett, of Kittiwake Productions, uncovers how farming can support the environment as well as food production writes Victoria Benn, from Friends of the Dales.

AWARDED a New Perspectives Bursary from Campaign for National Parks (CNP) in 2022, Ruth Garrett took up the challenge of telling the story of one Dales farmer. The result? A warm, funny, short documentary film with a strong environmental message.

“I was raised stomping around the moorland and muddy woods of the Dales and at 15 became a volunteer for Friends of the Dales,” said Ruth. “I worked for Capturing the Past - the project run by Friends of the Dales - creating the digital archive for the Yorkshire Dales Review magazine.

“Then in 2021 I saw an opportunity to apply for a New Perspectives Bursary from Campaign for National Parks. I hoped this might enable me to combine my media skills with my love of the Dales.

“So what would my story be?

“When digitising the back catalogue of the Yorkshire Dales Review, I’d read an article by Anthony Bradley, a farmer from Mearbeck, near Long Preston, who was at the time a trustee for Friends of the Dales.

“He spoke about the impact of ruminants (cattle and sheep) on carbon emissions and how ruminants could in fact have a positive effect if managed correctly. I’d found my topic.”

In the five-and-a-half minute film entitled Cultivating Carbon and Cows, Anthony explains how his farming methods are at the forefront of changing how farmers can mitigate the climate breakdown.

“Anthony is immensely knowledgeable about farming methods and has researched extensively the best ‘regenerative farming’ practices to adapt them for his farm. He even gave me a two page reading list after our first Zoom call,” Ruth recalled.

She added: “He uses the biology of the grass and carbon cycle to optimize grass growth to create more food for his animals without using nitrogen fertilisers. He says in the film: ‘Sunlight and rain’s free, in’t it? And all we’re doing is turning solar power into ‘summat you can eat’!’

Anthony’s also open about the fact that his farm needs to make money so reducing input costs is essential.

He said: “Sometimes the science is the most interesting bit of farming. If I measure stuff and that helps me spend less money, that’s a good thing, but that doesn’t mean I’m not interested in the ‘bunny hugger’ stuff. Even the most soulless amongst farmers still like to see the wildlife.”

Chief executive of Campaign for National Parks, Rose O’Neill, added: “Farming is at the heart of our national parks, and farmers are absolutely key to offering solutions in tackling the climate and nature crises in these landscapes.

“That’s why we are calling for governments in England and Wales to commit to new legislation to prioritise nature recovery across national parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

“We also want to see enhanced, sustained and long term payments for farmers to deliver nature recovery at a landscape scale, creating ambitious opportunities for climate action and public access.”

The New Perspectives bursary scheme works to ensure the voices of a diverse range of people are heard in our national parks and is aimed at 18 to 35-year-olds with a story about the parks in England and Wales.

“It’s incredibly important for a diverse range of voices to be heard,” said Ruth. “How else can you enact change for future generations and those who should have the right to access our national parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), without their representation?”

To watch Ruth’s film and those of the other New Perspective finalists visit: https://www.cnp.org.uk/news

You can also check out: http://www.friendsofthedales.org.uk

For more details about the film email: info.kittiwakepriductions@gmail.com