Farming for the Future
We have produced two short films for The Wildlife Trust Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire
Farming for the Future explores how the face of farming has radically changed in the Nene Valley over recent decades. Traditional family farms have had to diversify to stay in business as the environment along the River Nene has undergone significant changes - farm land being used for gravel extraction pits, mechanisation in the industry and the encroachment of housing development. The struggle between farmers livelihood producing food for the nation is often compromised with people’s desire and perceived entitlement to enjoy the countryside. Farming for the Future talks to a variety of farmers along the Nene Valley giving a personal insight into the challenges they face in an ever-changing environment.
Wildflower Meadows along the Nene is a short film about the crucial habitat to many different species of insect, bird and animal, since the 1930’s over 97% of the UK’s wildflower meadows have been lost. Farmer John Gent, with conservationists from The Wildlife Trust show how changes in John’s farming methods can be worthwhile recognising their economic, social, and environmental value.
Both films were made with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund Nenescape project from July to October 2019.