Centre for Rural Economy

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Have your say on the future of hill farming

Local people, artists, farmers and philosophers will be getting together in Mickleton Village Hall on Thursday 8th September between 2.30 pm and 5 pm to discuss “Hill Farming in the 21st Century”.  They will be debating some local solutions to national policy pressures in the rural uplands as part of a three-day Artists, Farmers and Philosophers symposium, organised to celebrate the conclusion of the £3 million HLF Heart of Teesdale Landscape Partnership.  Everyone with an interest in the uplands is invited to attend the special session to have their say and hear from expert speakers.  Keynote speaker Lord Inglewood (Landowner, Member of The House of Lords) will discuss hill farming and the uplands. Dr Margaret Bradshaw MBE will explain the importance of grazing and hefting in preserving a biodiversity treasure - the Teesdale Assemblage of Flowering Plants. Kay and Tom Hutchinson, stars of TV & film documentary Addicted to Sheep, will talk about a year on their tenant farm and explain how the international response to the film has influenced them. Other speakers at this session include Lord Barnard, local farmer Richard Betton and Natural England board member Julia Aglionby. There are 100 free places available for this session and booking is required.  Register by calling: Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Services on 01833 641010 or Heart of Teesdale Landscape Partnership on 03000 260842.

published on: 10 August 2016