Final instalment of smash hit TV trilogy, ‘Life of a Mountain’ premiered on BBC Four
The concluding chapter of acclaimed filmmaker, and Professor of Practice at University of Cumbria, Terry Abraham’s ‘Life of a Mountain’ series, premiered last night on BBC Four. ‘Life of a Mountain: A Year on Helvellyn’, is the third and final instalment of his hugely popular lakes-based TV documentary series.
Featuring a year in the life of the Lake District National Park’s most popular peak, Helvellyn, the film captures the beauty of the Lakeland fells and wildlife through the seasons along with the insights of those that live by, care for and visit the mountain.
Terry is delighted that the film premiered on the BBC last night and said: “We are living in such difficult times and I know many people will be missing their time out on the fells.
“I want the film to educate, enlighten, bring smiles and most of all inspire a wider audience to care for and protect our great outdoors.
“I hope everyone who watched it felt uplifted and that it brought some much-needed hope and sunshine into people’s homes while they long to experience the Lake District for themselves once again.
“For now, though, I’d like to take the foot off the pedal and spend more time on supporting local charities and working with the university. That said, my mind is already bubbling away planning my next big project.”
Several years in the making, two University of Cumbria wildlife media students from the university's institute of the arts were lucky enough to be selected to work with Terry on the film. Paul Bacon, from Buxton in Derbyshire and Nathan Buckley, from Stroud in Gloucester accompanied Terry on many of the shoots over a period of 15 months.
Climbing Helvellyn countless times, often in the early hours, the students worked with Terry to catch magical sunrises, cloud inversions and film time-lapses and drone footage of the dramatic landscape. The experience has been invaluable for them and provided the chance to gain out in the field on location experience alongside professionals in the industry.
That chance opportunity led to an enduring working relationship with Paul and Nathan, who over the course of many months blossomed in confidence and ability and continue to work as Terry’s crew now.
University of Cumbria Vice Chancellor Professor Julie Mennell said: “Terry’s links with the university stretch back several years when he was first invited to speak to students studying wildlife media about his techniques.
“Terry is now a Professor of Practice here at the university and is able to share his talent to enhance the curriculum, experience and environment for our students.
“After suffering significant delays caused by the pandemic, we are delighted that ‘Life of a Mountain: A Year on Helvellyn’ premiered last night and that people were able to enjoy the final instalment of his spectacular trilogy.”
This is the final instalment in Terry Abraham’s popular Lake District trilogy. Terry’s previous two films feature Scafell Pike and Blencathra. You can watch Life of a Mountain: A Year on Helvellyn on BBC iPlayer here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000rpmf/life-of-a-mountain-a-year-on-helvellyn
'Life of a Mountain: Helvellyn’ the directors cut is also available to rent on Vimeo in full HD for £7, and 30% of funds raised go to charities inc Patterdale Mountain Rescue, Penrith and District Red Squirrel Group and Mountains for the Mind
Pictured - Helvellyn and Ullswater in autumn - Terry Abraham
Pictured - Terry Abraham on location
Pictured - Nathan and Paul on location
Pictured - University of Cumbria Vice Chancellor, Professor Julie Mennell