THE PURPOSE OF THE CHARTER

The aims of this project begin with raising the profile of Hill farming, highlighting how invaluable it is and showing the positive impact it has on the cultural landscape of the area.

This is a central place to showcase the range of hill farms there are and present the unique characteristics of each one, showing the diversity that exists. Collecting the farms together in one place, to give an impressive and broader picture of Cumbrian Hill Farming, showing it to be a way of life worth preserving and protecting.

Much has been written about the public’s perception of Farmers and Farming, however recent research shows that whilst some aspects of farming are valued by the public, there are other benefits that they don’t associate with farming. The site aims to connect with the public and  help communicate some of the public goods and social capital that are a result of hill farming existing their community. The public will have a resource to use that will allow them to develop greater understanding of the hill farming that is historically and culturally a he part of the local landscape.

From an academic and professional perspective, this body of work will give many researchers a digital resource that will not only providing detailed information, but can be used to inform other research projects of this nature and support future funding applications.

Being located in an area of natural beauty, with National Park status, Cumbria attracts many visitors each year. Many of the hill farms provide accommodation, food, walks and paths across their land, as well as a warm welcome. There is a vast array of flora and fauna, and wildlife for visitors to see. Providing a website that details all of this information and giving farms more exposure, will allow visitors to plan trips in advance and hopefully result in farms receiving more visitors.

Farmers may or may not realise how much they contribute to society, and the value they bring to the area in ways other than simply supplying products. By highlighting the richness and diversity found across the farms, showcasing them in a positive way, there is a hope that morale will be boosted and farmers will feel proud. It may also result in farmers coming together to find new innovative ways to work or market their farms collectively, or on an individual basis.