Our Fell Farming Heritage Exhibition and special events

A display of photographs, artefacts and crafts relating to local fell farming and traditions.  The local farming landscape is fast changing and we would like to recognise the contribution of farming families, particularly those for whom keeping stock on the common was an integral part of their farming way of life. 

Saturday 18th October - Fell Pony Heritage Trust Coffee Morning 10am to 12 noon.  Meet representatives to learn more about our native Fell Pony.

Monday 20th October  7pm  ‘A Future for Hill Farming?’  Discussion evening chaired by Julia Aglionby, Executive Director, Foundation for Common Land with panel representatives from farming and nature conservation.   The evening will begin with the showing of 'Common Ground' a 24 minute film (prelude to a full length documentary film to be released in 2026), presented by Sarah Beddington.  Donations for the RABI appreciated.

Saturday 25th October  9am – 1pm  Shap Farmers’ and Makers’ Market - Food, art, craft, plant stalls.  Crook Morris (musicians and dancing).  Chat to representatives from Federation of Cumbrian Commoners.

Sunday 26th October  2.30pm -  slide show 'Heritage of the Hills' presented by Hilary Wilson, images taken by the late J. H.Cookson illustrating farming in the Howgills and how they adapted to WarAg requirements to grow crops in the late 1930's.  Hilary and the late Judy Dunford compiled the 'Heritage of the Hills' book.  Donations appreciated.

Monday 3rd November 7pm 'Travels with Fell ponies, mules and donkeys' - Film and talk with Tom Lloyd (Fell Pony Adventures). Donations appreciated.

Sunday 16th November 2.30pm  - A Westmorland Gather -Compere, Bill Lloyd. A social afternoon with music, song, poetry, stories, images and tea.  Tickets £5.

Special Events – please pre-book online or contact Janet, telephone 01931 716273 as places are limited.

We are grateful to Westmorland and Furness Council Arts Fund who have provided grant funding towards our ‘Our Fell Farming Heritage’ events.

Saturday 18th October to Sunday 16th November.  Opening Hours Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 2pm to 5pm and Monday 10am to 1pm and Saturday 10am to 12noon.

FREE Admission to the exhibition.

Event Venue

The Old Courthouse, Shap

Event Website