What's on

Since the dawn of prehistory people have lived, worked and played in the Lake District fells, finding in them inspiration, adventure, sport, wealth and freedom.

The lavishly illustrated follow-up to the award-winning 'Forty Farms’ sees International Photography Awards winner Tom McNally and author David Felton embark on a journey to record the stories of forty fells in Cumbria.

Stories of the first settlers, who crafted axes from Pike o’ Stickle greenstone; of climbers from the golden age of mountaineering on Great Gable; of Romans at isolated Hard Knott; of campaigners who secured access onto Latrigg; and of the many people who work and live in the fells today.

With photographic profiles of shepherds on the Loweswater gather, endurance athletes on the Winter Spine, hostel life at England’s loneliest house and ecologists nurturing the Borrowdale rainforest, 'Forty Fells' is a visual record of the Cumbrian uplands at a time of profound change.

In this illustrated talk, Tom and Dave discuss their favourite images and conversations from the book, and talk about their own relationships with the fells.

About the authors:
Tom McNally is a professional photographer and author based in the Lake District whose work focuses on documentary and adventure sports. His debut book, 'Extreme Lakeland', and exhibition ‘What Lies Beneath – Lost Mines of the Lake District’, won multiple awards. Tom’s work is widely published, with clients including Disney, BBC, Channel 4, cover shots for The Times and images and words for a range of industry-leading publications and broadsheet press. He has placed first in The International Photography Awards and The British Photography Awards. He is an accomplished climber, skier, mountain biker and kayaker and is also a member of Keswick Mountain Rescue Team.

David Felton is a writer, editor, broadcaster and publisher, whose award-winning titles include 'Forty Farms', 'Cumbria – 1,000 years of Maps' and 'The Lake District in 101 Maps & Infographics'. An indefatigable walker, Dave has completed multiple rounds of the Wainwrights, has walked from Land’s End to John o’ Groats twice and counts his favourite fells as Scafell, Wetherlam and Ard Crags. As a broadcaster, Dave produces the Countrystride podcast – the most popular regional podcast in Britain – dedicated to the landscapes, people and heritage of Cumbria and the Lake District. He lives in the north Lakes.

1h 50 mins inc Interval

The Forty Fells Exhibition (free) in our Gallery, will be open from 5-6.30pm.
Times
30 Oct

Relax and enjoy a collection of inspiring short films celebrating deer, wildlife, landscapes and rural life. From intimate encounters with Red and Roe deer, to stories of woodland restoration, conservation and local communities, this showcase offers a beautiful finale to the inaugural Lakes Deer Fest.


No need to book - feel free to drop in on the day and come and go as you wish

Ticket price: Free


45m

Images © RSPB
Times
10 Oct

Speaker: Alastair Boston, Deer Officer, Forestry Commission


Join Forestry Commission Deer Officer, Alastair Boston for a fascinating introduction to one of Cumbria’s most iconic wild animals. Discover how our free-roaming deer are monitored using traditional field skills and modern technology, why woodland creation and healthy deer populations go hand in hand, and how wild venison connects people, food and the landscape. Perfect for anyone curious about the wildlife of the Lake District. 


Alastair Boston has worked in deer management and forestry across the North of England for more than 35 years. Beginning his career with the Lake District National Park Authority before moving to Forestry England and the Deer Initiative, he has spent decades helping landowners and organisations understand the role deer play in our landscapes. Today, as a Deer Officer with the Forestry Commission, Alastair supports woodland creation and nature recovery projects across the Northwest, helping balance healthy deer populations with thriving woodlands and wildlife. 


Ticket price: Free


1h

Images © RSPB
Times
10 Oct


Part One – Into the Hidden Forest
Storyteller, Stephen G. Rae

Step into the ancient woodlands of Cumbria and discover a world where folklore, wildlife and imagination meet. Join storyteller, author and artist Stephen G. Rae, the Bard of Cumberland, for an enchanting journey through Inglewood Forest, where tree spirits, woodland creatures and the Hidden Folk emerge from the shadows.

Drawing inspiration from his book, Folklore of the Lake District, this magical storytelling performance weaves together Cumbrian dialect, nature lore and timeless talks for audiences of all ages.

Part Two – Song of the Deer

BlueJam Arts

Experience the premiere of Song of the Deer – new music created especially for Lakes Deer Fest.

Follow the deer into the myths and meanings of the wild places of Cumbria. Written and devised by young people working with BlueJam Arts, this uplifting blend of music and poetry celebrates the landscapes, wildlife and stories that connect us to Cumbria’s deer.

Inspired by the sounds of wind, water, forest and fell, this unique performance offers a fresh and creative perspective on the Lake District and its iconic wildlife.

If you would like to be part of the songwriting group, contact jilly@bluejamarts.org. Writing sessions will be held every Monday in September at 4.00pm. BlueJam Arts Space, Penrith.

Ticket price: Free

1h

Website: www.bardofcumberland.com  / www.folklorepress.co.uk  /  BlueJam Arts
Times
10 Oct

Panel discussion


Could your future be working in the woods or up on the fells? Meet Cumbria Connect Wildlife Ranger Trainees and professionals working across Cumbria’s landscape as they share their journeys into conservation, woodland creation and deer management. Watch a short film, ask questions and discover careers helping care for the landscapes we all enjoy.


Panellist names: 
Kimber - Wildlife Ranger Trainee, Cumbria Connect
Tabitha  - Wildlife Ranger Trainee, Cumbria Connect
Jo Sheehan - Deer & Venison Project Manager, Cumbria Connect
Martin Thwaites - Tree & Woodland Manager, National Trust
Joseph Groom - Wildlife Manager, Forestry England
Kelvin Archer - Head of Forestry, Lowther estate

Panel Chair:
Lucy Jarvis, Marine Officer (Seagrass), Cumbria Wildlife Trust

Ticket price: Free


45m

Images © RSPB
Times
10 Oct

Speaker: Ben Harrower, BH Wildlife Consultancy


How do you count deer across mountains without disturbing them? Wildlife specialist, Ben Harrower, reveals how drones, thermal imaging and other modern tools are transforming the way we understand wildlife. Through remarkable footage and real-life examples, discover how new technology is revealing where deer live and move, helping shape woodland creation, habitat restoration and conservation across Britain. 


Perfect for anyone interested in wildlife technology or the future of conservation. 


Ben Harrower is a wildlife specialist and trained forester with more than 20 years’ experience working in conservation across the UK and internationally. As founder of BH Wildlife Consultancy and DroneWild, he uses drones, thermal imaging and cutting-edge technology to help monitor wildlife and support woodland restoration. His award-winning innovative work is helping transform the way deer and other species are understood and managed across Britain’s landscapes. 


Ticket price: Free


45m

Times
10 Oct