A short film commissioned by landscape charity Friends of the Lake District to celebrate its 85^th anniversary this year is now available to watch online following a very successful premiere at the Rheged Centre near Penrith.

 “In Our Hands”, a poem written by Friends’ Patron, Harriet Fraser has been brought to life in a short film produced and directed by outdoor filmmaker and photographer Terry Abraham, also a Friends Patron and the man behind the critically acclaimed Life of a Mountain documentaries. Additional cinematography was provided by University of Cumbria students Paul Bacon and Nathan Buckley who were being mentored by Terry for his Life of a Mountain: Helvellyn film which will premiere in May and in which, “In Our Hands” will also feature.

The short film is a bewitching blend of poetry and superlative visual imagery which celebrates the vital connections between people and place; looks to the future for our children and recognises that Friends of the Lake District will always have, on behalf of this much-loved landscape, “the dedication to continue to ask, are we on the right road?”

Ruth Kirk, Landscape Engagement Officer for the charity who also worked as Executive Producer on the film said: “At the beginning of the 20^th century, a group of visionary conservationists recognised that the fragile beauty of the spectacular Lake District landscape, which had been the inspiration for poets and artists down the centuries, was under threat from the conflict between ‘use and delight’.

“Sadly, we still face these same challenges in the 21^st century. Friends of the Lake District has been the backbone of the protection of the Lake District for 85 years and will continue to stand up for the beauty, tranquillity and freedom of the fells.

“We are so grateful to Terry, and his students for producing this stunning film and to all the readers who gave their time, energy and enthusiasm to this project. We hope you enjoy it!”

Watch the film here: www.friendsofthelakedistrict.org.uk/anniversary-film-in-our-hands