Candid moments from a year in the lives of upland farmers in the North York Moors feature in a new photography exhibition due to open next week.

Fields, Folds and Farming Life at Nunnington Hall, near Helmsley, focuses on farming life in Bransdale.

The exhibition, which begins on Saturday, September 9, is by Valerie Mather, a documentary, travel and portrait photographer based in Yorkshire.

“Photography has the power to capture a moment in history, and my hope is that these images paint a picture of the spirit, stoicism and joy of these local farming families and communities today," she said.

The Northern Farmer: An image from the Fields, Folds and Farming Life exhibition at Nunnington Hall

"I wish to share some of the joy and inspiration about farming and nature that I discovered from my year in Bransdale.”

 

Laura Kennedy, experience and programming manager at Nunnington Hall, added: “With all work for this exhibition undertaken on the doorstep of Nunnington Hall, we’re excited to share the work in Bransdale with our visitors.

The Northern Farmer: An image from the Fields, Folds and Farming Life exhibition at Nunnington Hall

"Farming has existed on and around the North York Moors for millennia and around 80 per cent of the land in the care of the National Trust is farmed in some way. Like many other places across the country, Bransdale is cared for by the tenant-custodian farmers, the National Trust and its volunteers alongside the National Park Authority.

The Northern Farmer: An image from the Fields, Folds and Farming Life exhibition at Nunnington Hall

"The trust is exploring opportunities across the places we care for to ensure all our land is used to its full potential. Working closely with Valerie to tell this story through this exhibition has been an absolute pleasure.”

The Northern Farmer: An image from the Fields, Folds and Farming Life exhibition at Nunnington Hall

Fields, Folds and Farming Life runs until Sunday, December 17.

Nunnington Hall is open from 10.30am to 5pm, with last entry at 4.15pm. There are reduced hours for winter from November 24. No booking is required. Normal property admission applies.