Diversification News

The Scott brothers, Charlie, Michael and Andrew, have a strong passion for continuing their family’s arable farm but they soon realised they needed to diversify to strengthen the business. This led to their latest venture – poultry

As glamping becomes a highly competitive market, farmers who are diversifying their land to include such ventures now need to find ways to stand out from the growing crowd.

Ahead of the LEAF Open Farm Sunday on the 27th June, organisers have announced the appointment of eight ambassadors to support farmers, crofters and smallholders taking part.

Pitchup.com welcomes the news that Wales has now joined the English government in temporarily relaxing permitted development planning laws, allowing landowners to set up temporary ‘pop-up’ campsites for up to 56 days across the year. 

Nick Harper, of chartered surveyors Hawkspur, explains options on making money from land you don’t own, biodiversity net gain for development, and more.

With more farmers looking to diversify and capitalise on the staycation trend, sustainable cabin company The Box BnB, is working with UK farmers to support their diversification strategies and provide holidaymakers with a unique experience.

Many farmers are currently making use of unused land for holiday cabins and glamping, as the general public are itching to get away for a staycation when lockdown restrictions ease later on in the year. Such business opportunities come at a good time; with the phasing out of the Basic Payment Scheme, many farmers are looking to find alternative revenue streams.

Glampsan general manager Jon Trelfa shared his advice on toilet and waste management options for diversified farms wanting to offer camping facilities.

Herefordshire farmer Ally Hunter Blair began his Instagram account as a way of sharing positive stories around agriculture, but has found that looking back over the photographs helps him to appreciate what he has. We spoke to Ally about farm life, the pros and cons of social media and life in a pandemic.

UK farmers looking at environmental diversification are being encouraged to consider leasing their land for solar development to secure long-term secure returns and help to lower UK emissions.

With Covid-19 continuing to complicate holidays – particularly overseas – many are looking to enjoy a break in the British countryside. Cabins, Logs & Pods gives the low-down on its range of glamping pods.

The rise of the ‘staycation’ plus new rules that make it easier to run a temporary campsite, could offer a lucrative business opportunity for farmers.