A new eight-part TV series is to follow the fortunes of seven hopefuls in their bid to land the tenancy of a farm on a historic National Trust estate in Northumberland.
The trust is joining forces with production company Big Circus Media to create the More4 series, centred on Gallows Hill Farm at Wallington. Set up in 2020 by North East-born TV presenter Matt Baker and Gareth Collett, Big Circus Media is a regional production company specialising in making factual entertainment and documentary series. The company is behind Matt Baker: Our Farm in the Dales, which is now in its third series.
Set in the centre of the Wallington estate, Gallows Hill totals 137 hectares and a Grade II listed farmhouse with views across the Northumbrian countryside, and includes a variety of traditional and modern farm buildings.
The tenancy is now available for the first time in over 30 years and offers a unique opportunity to a new tenant to develop the farm with the accent on nature. The farmhouse, which is being refurbished to a high standard by the National Trust, features a south-facing walled garden and orchard.
During the series, viewers will follow the potential tenants as they demonstrate their approaches to agriculture, learn new skills and explore the realities of farming today through a list of tasks. At the end of the process, one person or partnership will be chosen as the successful tenant.
An aim is to showcase farming to the nation via the series, which will be fronted by Matt Baker and will will air on More4 next year.
The Wallington Estate has had agriculture at its heart for nearly 300 years, and as part of its continued evolution has ambitious plans for restoring nature and responding to the climate crisis, alongside sustainable food production. The National Trust is seeking a tenant who can put nature at the heart of their business, improving soil and water, capturing carbon, creating more space for wildlife, and providing access for and engagement with the public.
Matt Baker said: “I am so excited to be making this series and giving a life changing opportunity to the next generation of farmers. For a long time I’ve wanted to make a television show that follows the process of acquiring a farm tenancy, highlighting how tenant farming fits into our food production and land management, and it’s finally happened.
“I’m so grateful to More4 and the National Trust for allowing us to televise a selection process for a 10-year tenancy that’s become available in the rugged landscape of Northumberland. We’ll be filming eight episodes of a unique opportunity for the trust and the local rural community to see the potential tenants at work alongside each other, as they experience the challenges farmers face.
“I can’t wait to get out on to the farm with the potential tenants.”
For more information about the tenancy, and to apply, visit www.farmapplication.co.uk. Applications close at midnight on October 30.
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