THE story of two young Lakes farmers is to be featured in a new documentary which highlights issues around rural poverty.

Adam Crowe, who grew up on a small tenant dairy farm in the Rusland Valley, and Helen Rawlinson were followed by a Kendal-based film maker as they established their business over the course of a year.

The 20-minute film, by Kendal-based documentary maker Land & Sky Media, also features Adam's dad Raymond who still farms at the age of 72.

Entitled ‘Nowt but a fleeting thing’, the film is due for release later this year. It highlights the challenges faced by farmers to make a living at this time of little certainty. Focusing on a local father and son it sets out to question if farming can be sustained in its traditional format and whether it is possible to introduce environmental practices and still make enough money to survive.

It was commissioned by the Guardian and Joseph Rowntree Foundation and will be released through the Guardian’s website and social media channels.

Director Dom Bush, who founded Land & Sky with Helen Lawrie, said: "Our film won’t attempt to unravel the complexities of farming in the UK, but will look at some of the systemic problems within it and follow a young couple who have the capacity to paint a different picture – one of hope and sustainability in an important industry.

"As we move further into the uncertainty of Brexit and climate change, the food we produce will continue to be one of our most precious resources. We hope this film can provide a window in to the lives of those who create the food we eat.

"As a society we are increasingly disconnected from our food and the people who produce it...a farming industry in which people can be heavily underpaid and undervalued. This can have a significant effect on farmers and the welfare of their animals; and levels of poverty, poor mental health and suicide are worryingly high, especially in hill farming communities in Cumbria and Wales."

Mr Bush added: "There is a misconception that poverty only exists in our cities; in those run down estates and high-rises. But it’s everywhere. Even in our most cherished beauty spots like The Lake District. I grew up surrounded by these mountains, among the farms, fields and animals and I have seen poverty tucked away in the landscape, under the noses of the visiting tourists."