Farm Diversification

[Electric_Andy]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone, I will pass them on. I'm not surprised by #Dave 123 , there was a house (barn conversion) built a while back and when finished they were told they could only use it for 3 months a year! Don't know if that was the owners' lack of research or the council/NP being tossers.
Whatever the case, renting out the farm was this chaps back-up plan so it may well have to be that.

 

[SD1]

Do you really think you will get planning permission? I don't think you would need planning permission for shoots but you would have to have a lot of copses and cover crops. The woods won't grow overnight so unless there there already? RSPB are in favour of pheasant/partridge shoots so no chance of them blocking it unless the national park authority have special rules/control? . The land could still be farmed. Rented out?

 

[SD1]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone, I will pass them on. I'm not surprised by #Dave 123 , there was a house (barn conversion) built a while back and when finished they were told they could only use it for 3 months a year! Don't know if that was the owners' lack of research or the council/NP being tossers.
Whatever the case, renting out the farm was this chaps back-up plan so it may well have to be that.

Simple and he can pass it on to his kids.

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

...there would be no issues with buying and selling animals which at certain times can be unstable.

This one is deffo unstable

 

[Piemaster]

Fracking. Or if theres nothing in the ground several humongous wind turbines.

 

[numbnuts]

Nudist camping site

 

[sight-pin]

Nudist camping site

Could be a little painful riding an MTB

 

[CopperCyclist]

As well as the earlier suggestions, I know a farmer who turned a small corner of his field into a course for off road 4x4 driving, and the other corner into tent / caravan and he seems to do ok!

If he's in the right area, caravan storage can be a good earner with little actual work required to (maybe some set up with security etc)

 

[Dave 123]

Solar panels.....my cousin is a farmer and that's what he's been putting in his fields.

Jo's uncle is in the South Hams AONB, all south facing, sloping land- perfect for what you say. He has more chance of getting to Mars on a pogo stick than getting planning for that! A national park will be even worse.

 

[Dave 123]

Another niche market is the foliage for floristry business- eucalyptus, pittosporum, phormium.

Another is edible flowers- nasturtiums, cornflower, viola, rocket, corn marigold, borage.
At work I grow some for the kitchens for feasts, weddings and big dinners. It costs me bugger all. To buy 20 viola flowers in a plastic box costs a fortune!
A couple of polytunnels to ensure winter production.....

 

[Electric_Andy]

Nudist camping site

LIKE. Women only though

 

[SD1]

They are always old and fat, so unless that's your thing?

 

[vernon]

Hi all,

some advice/ideas wanted please.

Can anyone direct me to the regs/requirements for starting something like a MTB course? Does anyone own such a place, or looked into starting one up?

Thanks in advance

Have you considered contacting:

The CTC - they are getting more involved with cycling activities other than touring

British Cycling - They have a mountain bike section and might be able to advise on who/what to look out for.

International mountain bike association - this looks to be the best bet - they have a trail building section on their web site.

Fairly obvious places to look.

 

[Cubist]

They are always old and fat, so unless that's your thing?

You do realise they're not practising the lifestyle for your benefit don't you?

 

[SD1]

You do realise they're not practising the lifestyle for your benefit don't you?

Yes unfortunately.