I’m currently in the editing studio, deep in post-production on a recent academic video production project commissioned by Durham University. It’s one of those films that has lodged itself firmly under my skin—thanks to the remarkable people involved, the beauty of the locations, and the powerful story it tells.

As a documentary filmmaker based in the North East, I was asked to create a film exploring the ecological richness of Teesdale—told through the eyes of leading academics and one extraordinary botanist whose lifetime of dedication has shaped how we understand and protect this precious landscape.

Filming Across Teesdale’s Special Landscapes

The shoot took me to Middleton-in-Teesdale, where I joined two Durham University academics:

• Professor Bob Baxter, a plant ecologist from Durham’s Department of Biosciences, who guided us through the intricacies of the rare alpine species that survive only in the unique conditions of Upper Teesdale’s limestone landscapes. His passion for the tiny, often overlooked plants of the region was contagious. We filmed amongst sweeping views of High Force and delicate patches of Spring Gentian, as Bob explained how microclimates and soil chemistry shape what grows here.
• Dr Simona Capisani, a philosopher specialising in environmental ethics, who offered profound reflections on human relationships with place, care, and ecological responsibility. Filming with Simona felt like opening new doors on the same scenery; she encouraged me to see the landscape not just as a collection of species but as a place entwined with values, identity, and moral choices.

This interdisciplinary approach was vital to capture. As a documentary filmmaker, I strive to go beyond surface-level facts, aiming instead to reveal how knowledge is lived, embodied, and shared across disciplines. It’s these moments of connection—where science, philosophy, and personal experience overlap—that I find most compelling to film.

Capturing the Story of Dr Margaret Bradshaw

At the heart of this film is Dr Margaret E. Bradshaw MBE. At 98 years old, she remains an unstoppable force in British botany, still out in the field, scanning for elusive blooms with a twinkle in her eye and a mind as sharp as ever. She earned her PhD from Durham in the 1950s and has dedicated her life to protecting the botanical treasures of Upper Teesdale.

Her 2023 book, Teesdale’s Special Flora: Places, Plants and People, is not just a botanical record—it’s a moving, personal tribute to decades spent among rare and beautiful plants, and to the people who share her passion.

After filming with Margaret, I travelled with Bob and Simona up to Cow Green reservoir in Teesdale—a place Margaret frequently visits and studies. Although she was too tired to accompany us that day, her presence was felt all around us in the landscape she knows so intimately. While there, we recorded a podcast conversation between Bob and Simona for the Faculty of Arts and Humanities. It was a fascinating dialogue weaving together scientific insight and philosophical reflection on the significance of this unique ecosystem, and how Margaret’s work has shaped both their disciplines.

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The Editing Process: Weaving Voices into Story

Back in the studio, my challenge—and my privilege—is to blend these voices into a coherent, emotionally resonant narrative. Margaret’s personal reflections, Bob’s scientific insight, and Simona’s ethical framing each offer a different lens through which to view Teesdale’s landscapes. My aim is to interlace them in a way that not only documents facts but also captures the deeper meaning and emotional weight of this remarkable place.

As with all my work in academic video production, I’m determined to create more than just a factual record. This film is about legacy. It’s about capturing the stories of people whose work and dedication ensure that future generations can continue to marvel at the wonders of Upper Teesdale.

The completed film will become part of Durham University’s Special Collections Archive, preserving Margaret’s voice and vision—and the broader story of Teesdale’s unique flora—for generations to come.

Why I Make These Films

Projects like this remind me why I became a filmmaker. They allow me to stand at the intersection of art, science, and storytelling. They’re about people as much as places—about the human drive to understand, protect, and find meaning in the world around us.

For more updates on my work as a documentary filmmaker, including films that explore the arts, environment, and academic research, follow me on Instagram: @alanfentiman

And if you’re curious about my other nature-focused films, you can find them here:

👉 Watch my nature films