Recent data from Sykes Holiday Cottages shows that demand for farm stays is at an all-time high. The market is getting stronger, so for those open to exploring holiday letting, there are five things to consider before taking the leap.

1. Balance holiday letting with your agricultural commitments

The first thing that probably comes to mind for many farmers is “how will I find the time?!”

Providing the very best service in holiday letting can take time and effort, particularly alongside the copious demands of farming, but you don’t have to do it alone.

Take the time to assess whether you’ll be able to juggle your farming commitments and remember that holiday letting agencies such as Sykes are there to take some of the weight off your shoulders, while local businesses could also support with things like changeovers and maintenance.

2. Money matters – weigh up your likely income

It’s also crucial to think through the financials of holiday letting – working out the likely expenses and income.

Holiday let income levels continue to rise as more Brits choose to holiday at home, but incomes vary significantly depending on the location and property on offer.

Sykes’ Holiday Let Income Calculator helps to give an idea of how much your investment could give you in return by taking factors such as location, property features, and amenities into account.

Meanwhile, when it comes to outgoings, data from Sykes has revealed that, on average, owners invest £7,400 in their holiday let each year, including everything from property maintenance and changeovers, to energy bills and taxes.

3. Decisions, decisions, decisions – how will you attract bookings? 

Staycationers are always looking for something new and different in a holiday let, making the possibilities endless.

You could convert an existing farm building such as a barn, stable, or cowshed, or get adventurous with a yurt or shepherd’s hut. Cabins are particularly popular with holidaymakers right now, with data from Sykes revealing that bookings for this type of accommodation are up 116% year on year. You could also consider adding a hot tub to the shepherd’s hut, as these are particularly appealing to future guests.

Once you’ve made the decision on the type of holiday let, consider other ways you could make your offering shine to guests. You could further diversify with a farm shop selling your produce or offer workshops in popular crafts such as wreath or candle making.

4. Plan for that planning permission 

It’s important to take planning permission into account when considering farm diversification.

If you’re introducing a new structure like a cabin or glamping pod to your farm, you’ll need to apply to your local council for permission.

Likewise, even if you intend to convert a pre-existing building, planning permission is still required, and you may also need to apply for a ‘change of use’.

5. Talk to the experts

Herding sheep is quite different to hosting humans so it’s a good idea to get the advice of professionals before you set out on your holiday letting journey.

Talk to insurers to get an idea of the potential risks involved and the cover you’ll need to protect yourself and your guests. Or, if you’re taking on a barn conversion, get a local builder in as soon as possible to evaluate the likely costs and timelines.

It’s also wise to consult a letting agent to discuss how much income adding a holiday let to your farm could generate, and potential amenities to consider adding to enhance that even further.

To find out more about farm diversification, visit https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/letyourcottage/advice/article/what-is-farm-diversification-and-how-could-holiday-letting-benefit-me

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Shopkeepers are facing unprecedented levels of crime, with 83% experiencing crime in the past six months, according to new research by NFU Mutual.

More than two thirds of respondents said retail crime increased in 2023 and over a quarter (27%) said the most pressing concern is the impact on their own and their staff’s mental health.

One in five (19%) also said they live in fear of organised gangs targeting their shops, as seen recently in attacks on farm shops across the UK.

NFU Mutual found that this year alone, 82% of retailers have had to take security measures to protect their businesses from crime, including bodycams (17%) and panic alarms (21%).

The rural insurer has teamed up with the Farm Retail Association to offer advice to farm shop owners.

David Harrison, farming specialist at NFU Mutual, said: “Our study shows that retailers of all sizes are unfortunately struggling as incidents of theft rocket in our shops, and we would urge farm shop owners to stay vigilant to protect their stock, staff and premises.

“We have seen huge efforts taken from retailers on this which is a good step forward as it is crucial they feel protected and supported should the worst happen. […]

“Farm shops have sadly been targeted in the past due to their remote locations, so it is important for owners to take all the necessary preventative steps and keep the cash held on site to a minimum, while NFU Mutual has also put together a security checklist in response to our most recent study.”

Emma Mosey, Farm Retail Association chair, added: “The issue of crime and security is a pressing concern for owners of farm shops. Often, as owner operators, our members live on the business site, so the threat of break-ins is exacerbated by concerns about their own personal safety and proximity to their businesses.

“Break-ins and robberies have a lasting impact on the mental health of owners and their teams, as well as the short-term impact of loss of stock or theft.  At our recent council meeting, the issue of security was raised among members as a key concern, particularly after the spate of robberies in 2022.”

Top tips for farm shop security:

• Make sure passive infrared (PIR) sensors – a device used to detect motion – are not concealed by shelving, reducing their full operating angle
• Ensure that the detectors have not been tampered with if they are in an area of public access
• Consider installing internal door sensors (not just external perimeter doors and windows) and ensure that movement detectors are duplicated where possible if all entry points cannot be protected
• Reduce your cash on site by banking more frequently – also consider any on-site vending machines and removing the cash cassettes each night
• Check the amount insured in your safe and make sure your insurers recognise your safe
• Change your alarm code regularly and deactivate any older or lost fobs
• If possible, limit the number of high value items on display and secure remaining stock within a robust, lockable store
• Use customer service as a tool to deter thieves – greeting them lets them know they have been acknowledged and will deter them as they have been identified
• Make sure store layouts are organised and tidy, placing high-value or items which are more desirable for thieves in monitorable areas
• Regular stocktaking helps identify which items are being targeted.

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Mandy farms 150 acres at Cleobury Farm in Heyope, Knighton. With a diversity of land types, working out which areas were most appropriate for planting and where they were most likely to thrive and produce an optimal yield, was an important first step.

She received funding for the project from the Farming Connect ‘Try Out Fund’, a new initiative that gives farmers and growers the chance to test their ideas and bring them to life.

A total of 140 Camellia sinensis tea bushes are being grown on different plots around the farm, with sites selected through a process known as geospatial analysis. This involves assessing the compatibility of the crop with geographical locations based on factors including climate, light intensity and soil characteristics.

In the coming months, plant growth will be assessed and phenotypic traits such as height, width, stem diameter and leaf area recorded.

Improving profitability

Mandy says there is a gap in knowledge about tea growing in Wales and the UK generally as it is a novel crop.

“This project will build on the existing knowledge, and could be applied to other novel crops,’’ she says.

This will be beneficial not only to her business but to others too, she adds.

“We are trying crop diversification with the aim of improving profitability within our agricultural business whilst protecting the environment, improving diversity and producing a high-end crop long-term.’’

Impacts on soil biology

Mandy, who also farms beef and sheep, hopes there will be a positive effect from growing this crop on soil biology too, especially on land with sparse grass coverage.

On a broader scale, she also sees the potential of reducing imports of tea if growers in Wales can establish a successful supply of it.

“There is a need for an environmentally and socially responsible food and drink local supply chain, providing consumers with nutritious products, long term,’’ Mandy suggests.

“Keeping profits local brings wider benefits, with a thriving local economy and increased spend, resulting in an increased supply and further job opportunities, creating cohesive communities.’’

Farming Connect developed the Try-Out Fund to address specific local problems or opportunities with the aim of improving efficiencies and profitability within agricultural businesses whilst also protecting the environment.

“Funding can be used for technical assistance, sampling, testing and other reasonable expenses such as those relating to short term hire of specialist equipment or facilities directly relating to the project,’’ Ms Williams explained.

Funding application forms can be found on the Farming Connect website, or to receive the link and further information contact fctryout@menterabusnes.co.uk.

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In recent years, a growing number of landowners have diversified into PYO pumpkins to capitalise on the family Halloween market.

“It can be a money spinner, but if the requisite insurance cover is not in place, there can also be serious financial consequences,” said Anderson Fossett, of rural insurance broker, Lycetts.

“An abundance of potential hazards is hidden in plain sight, making Public Liability Insurance and thorough risk assessments a must.

“The ground may be uneven, muddy or slippy, and if opening times extend into the dark winter evenings, the risks of slips, trips and injuries intensify.

“If temporary staff are taken on, they too will need adequate protection. Don’t assume that existing Employers’ Liability Insurance Liability for permanent staff will automatically cover those who have been hired for a short period.”

In most cases, the public will be visiting working farms, where heavy machinery may be in operation, and where vehicles are visiting and leaving.

“Owners should therefore ensure there is appropriate and visible signage informing visitors of potential hazards, the areas they are permitted to enter, and the paths and routes to use,” said Fossett.

“Lighting should be effective, and it is also a good idea to have CCTV around the property – footage could act as valuable evidence should legal claims be lodged for accidents and injuries.

“Furthermore, PYO enterprises will often offer food and drink, such as hog roasts and barbecues, to enhance the visitor experience.

“Where produce has the potential to inadvertently cause illness amongst customers, liability cover is essential. This can also offer protection from risks associated with food processing and production undertaken by staff.

“Health and safety standards should be rigorously observed. Operators should also provide allergen information, and ensure hygiene and food preparation regulations are met.”

In addition, Fossett recommends seeking fire safety advice from your local Fire Authority.

“Details of PYO ventures should be discussed with your insurer who will be able to explain all the insurance requirements and legal obligations.

“Pumpkin picking can be a great way for farmers to open up new revenue streams and, done correctly, it should provide a safe, sociable and enjoyable way for families to celebrate the spooky season.”

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Across the UK, 34% of farmers now run a diversified business, up 6% since 2018, and income has risen by 1%, to 13% of turnover.

This is according to NFU Mutual’s annual diversification survey.

It shows a continuing trend of farmers diversifying outside traditional agricultural activities to secure extra income as EU legacy Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) support is phased out.

English farmers have the highest proportion of diversification enterprises at 41%, followed by 38% of Welsh farmers and 27% of Scottish farmers. Only 15% of Northern Ireland farmers surveyed had run a diversification scheme.

Renewable energy is the most popular diversification, with 6% of UK farmers operating schemes such as solar power, wind turbines or anaerobic digesters.

Property letting and providing holiday accommodation come in joint second place at 5% each, followed by livery/equestrian businesses and caravan/camping, (both 4%) and farm shops at 3%.

The survey also found the number of existing farms undertaking agricultural contracting was up 7% to 22%, with farmers looking to capitalise on their machinery and equipment.

The impact of higher interest rates and the cost of living crisis was reflected in a three-fold jump in the percentage of farmers already running diversifications who expected the income they produced would fall over the next five years.

The tough economic climate may also be responsible for a slight fall in the percentage of farmers considering a diversification scheme – down 1% to 15%.

However, many farmers remain confident in the sustainability of their diversifications, with 37% (the same percentage as in 2022) expecting returns to increase over the next five years.

Be cautious about new diversification schemes

Chris Walsh, NFU Mutual farm specialist, said: “For many farmers supplementing the farming income is essential to ensure long-term sustainability – so we’re very pleased to see that well over a third of farmers running diversified businesses expect their returns to increase.

“Farmers are putting great businesses in place which will help protect the long-term future of their farms. Many are also providing jobs, both for members of farming families and for local people as well, enabling the public to enjoy new aspects of our fantastic countryside – a win-win.”
To give farmers inspiration, NFU Mutual has showcased a range of diversification success in its new diversification hub.

However, Mr Walsh stressed that higher interest rates, rising prices and labour shortages make it more important than ever to cost any planned scheme in minute detail before taking the plunge.

“Given the challenges facing businesses in every sector, caution is prudent in the current economic climate. To help farmers gauge the feasibility of their ideas – whether it’s for luxury glamping, an ice cream business, or letting out buildings for commercial or domestic use, we have a developed a Diversification Hub with a wealth of information.

“It’s important to recognise that diversification isn’t for every farm. If you haven’t got a suitable site, finance and the resource to run another business alongside your farm it may well not be for you. I know a good number of farmers who have looked at all the options to boost their farm incomes and have taken the view that their best option is to put all their energy and investing into developing farming activities.”

He added that it’s vital for farmers to seek expert advice on the inheritance tax implications of running a diversification scheme.
For more information including case studies on successful diversification schemes and advice on insurance and risk management visit NFU Mutual’s new diversification hub at: nfumutual.co.uk/farmingdiversification

NFU Mutual diversification checklist:

• Evaluate whether you have the skills, resources and commitment to make diversification work for you
• Thoroughly review your existing farm business and identifying your strengths and areas where you could add value to your existing model
• Make a full and frank assessment of your assets – including people, land, location and buildings
• Thoroughly research the market, local demand, and existing competition for your proposed diversification
• Work closely with planners and highway authorities to avoid problems when your plans are advanced
• Cost out plans in detail and include contingency funds to help absorb future price and interest rate increases
• Research the likely availability of local workers – often a challenge for hospitality or retail diversifications in remote locations
• Consider health and safety issues at planning stage to avoid having to make expensive changes later on.

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Grown as a sustainable break-crop, hemp delivers four times the CO2 sequestration compared to the same area of forestry, and provides an additional revenue stream, according to growers.

Hugh completed his final dissertation on the feasibility of growing hemp as a break crop in 2019 – and subsequently decided to found Hemp North with his business partner Alistair.

After obtaining the necessary licences, the North Northumberland growers sowed their first crop in 2021. Approximately 600ha of various soil types, the farm predominantly grows winter cereals, OSR and field beans in rotation with industrial hemp.

“Our objective was to show that hemp is an environmentally friendly and viable diversification option for conventional family farms,” explained Hugh.

Methods of drying and cleaning

Having made the decision to outsource the production of hemp seed oil, he looked at ways of dehulling the hemp growing on the farm and considered several solutions that would deliver hemp hearts.

He also needed to consider how the harvested hemp seed would be dried and cleaned before dehulling could take place.

“To overcome the challenge of how to dry our hemp seeds quickly to preserve the quality, McArthur Agriculture supplied us with a Mecmar drier. They were really helpful and easy to communicate with as we discussed different drier options,” he said.

The pair visited McArthur Agriculture’s depot in Flixborough to discuss cleaning and dehulling options with director Scott McArthur.

“Once Scott had shown us the JK Machinery range of robust, yet easy to operate, cost effective post-harvest equipment, including cleaning and dehulling solutions, we understood how McArthur Agriculture’s knowledge combined with the JK Machinery range, enables farm diversification projects like ours, to get off the ground,” he added.

DIY dehulling facility

On a relatively low budget and with a lack of knowledge of the necessary process but with “amazing” help and advice from Scott McArthur, Hemp North designed a DIY dehulling facility.

“Working with Scott, we kept the facility modular and relied on gravity feeds and good old-fashioned manual labour to transfer the hemp seed between different processing stages. This allowed us to trial the system, learn the methodology and constantly tweak the parameters to improve yields and efficiencies,” Hugh continued.

Importantly, this gave Hemp North the freedom to process to order and carefully control quality, whilst developing close relationships with its early customers.

The post-harvest process

The post-harvest processing starts with the harvested hemp seeds being dried, if necessary, in the Mecmar drier. Once dried, they are cleaned and graded via JK Machinery’s JCC 05 VibroCompact vibratory sieve cleaner before going into store.

As demand dictates the hemp seeds are taken from store and then passed through JK Machinery’s JHI 05 Impact Dehuller. The JHI 05 accelerates the grain which is thrown against the hard surface, the impact causes the grain to shed its outer shell or hull. McArthur Agriculture’s experience has shown that the JHI 05 Impact Dehuller is the best fit for dehulling hemp seeds.

The material exiting the dehuller contains hemp hearts (sometimes referred to as kernels), the empty hulls and whole hemp seeds. This mix is then passed back through JK Machinery’s VibroCompact sieve cleaner to remove and separate any whole hemp seeds which are collected and put back through the dehuller.

After passing through the sieve cleaner the remaining material consists of hemp hearts with a small number of empty shells or hulls. This mix then goes over a JK Machinery JGC 03 Gravity Concentrator designed to separate material based on its specific gravity i.e. weight and density.

Having gone through the gravity concentrator the hemp seed is cleaned leaving hemp hearts to be stored.

Successful trial

“McArthur Agriculture’s expertise has been invaluable. Before we were entirely sure how the post-harvest processing would work, we took some hemp seed to McArthur Agriculture and Scott dehulled it for us as a trial using the JK Machinery. He pretty much taught us the process in one afternoon!” said Hugh.

This successful trial was key because it de-risked North Hemp’s investment in the JK Machinery by reducing the guesswork around the processing. Hugh and Alistair could see that North Hemp would be able to viably produce the hemp hearts which it needed.

Despite the steep learning curve of the first year, and the time Hemp North spent perfecting the post-harvest process, it has quickly established contracts and sales. The company is rapidly building up its e-commerce site to handle direct sales to consumers, and is seeing growing demand in its wholesale business with online health food stores, local shops and zero-waste stores.

“Now in year two we have begun to automate our dehulling facility. This enables us to increase output and produce dehulled hemp hearts at a volume which allows us to offer increasingly good value to our customers.

“We are continuing to work with McArthur Agriculture so that we can take advantage of its knowledge and expertise in the supply of seed handling equipment. The McArthur team will work with us to deliver the capability we need to efficiently dry and grade harvested hemp, in larger quantities, on farm. This will mean we can grow more hemp!” concluded Hugh.

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What is a Brit Stops host?

Brit Stops is a scheme for motorhomers to explore the UK. When they purchase Brit Stops, they get one year of unlimited stopovers at 1,100+ Brit Stops locations, including pubs, vineyards, aires, farm shops, and other varied businesses too.

Motorhomers are always looking for great places to stop while on the road, and your farm can be one of them, the company says. Brit Stops is a well-established scheme that has been operating for over eight years and has over 26,000 users.

What are the benefits?

By inviting motorhomers to your farm, Brit Stops says you can reach its large audience, based throughout the UK and Ireland. “Our members are always looking for lovely spots to stay overnight and, as most of them are retired couples, they often have disposable income to spend at the farm shop. We also manage our members with a recognised code of conduct, so you won’t have anyone setting up an awning or hanging their washing out!”

Visitors should not be under any obligation to buy, but the company has found that nine out of 10 Britstoppers end up spending some money with its hosts. They’ve saved their campsite fees and usually need to top up the fridge or have dinner. Depending on the time of year and how many spaces you have available, you might see anywhere from 1–10 motorhomers a week, which can really drive extra custom, Brit Stops suggests.

How do I become a Brit Stops host?

Becoming a host is easy. There are no fees or contracts and the sign-up is simple. A detailed entry on the Brit Stops website/app is free to hosts. No facilities are needed and it costs you nothing. All you have to do is offer Brit Stops members a one-night free stopover in your car park.

Sign up to become a Brit Stops host.

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The Northern Region of the National Sheep Association (NSA) teamed up with AHDB and various speakers to host the event at the J36 Rural Auction Centre in Cumbria. The event considered the direct support to farm businesses declining across the UK. More farmers are considering diversifying their sheep farming activities to supplement their income.

The morning session focused on direct selling of sheep meat products, purposely coinciding with ‘Love Lamb Week’. John Geldard shared the successes of the Plumgarths Farm Shop and associated family businesses in Cumbria, while Karl Pendlebury of AHDB and independent butcher Peter Allonby delivered an excellent butchery demonstration as the backdrop to a wide-ranging discussion about adding value to lamb carcasses.

Consumers want convenience

Karl and Peter understood the many approaches to the marketing of lamb; be it through box schemes, a farm shop, farmers markets, or online retailing. They were clear that whatever the approach was, the priority had to be convenience.

“Consumers want something that is convenient and will be quick to prepare and cook – but that can be good news, as they’ll then eat lamb more often, rather than only cooking a roasting joint on a Sunday or, increasingly, only on a special occasion,” said Karl Pendlebury.

Grace Randall, AHDB retail and consumer insight manager, echoed these consumer trends. She presented how domestic lamb sales would decline if the market failed to diversify beyond roasting joints.

Sheep farming must keep up with inevitable change

The attention turned to diversification ventures other than selling lamb after lunch. The sentiment of ‘time waiting for no man’, stressed throughout the morning session, was echoed in the afternoon. Speakers included Rebecca Wilson, an influencer on social media, and holiday pod entrepreneurs Vicky Slater and Kevin Holiday – both of whom have been able to thrive by adapting to the latest trends and consumer interests.

The positive attitude towards change embodied by John Geldard when he built his farm shop in the early 2000s was still applicable 20 years later and to all diversification types.

“Change will never stop; it’s about keeping up with it,” he said. “But remember, it’s important not to go into diversification to save your business. It will only work if it’s to strengthen your business. That’s been proven many times over the years. You need to build it from the bottom up.”

There were plenty of takeaways from the event for the sheep farming community to consider and action. You can find out more about the NSA and future events on the NSA website.

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He and his family grow wheat, barley and oilseed rape, and graze sheep and cattle, as well as running an agricultural plastic recycling plant at Barff Farm, Lincolnshire. When the Moores bought the farm, it was a highly productive operation growing solely winter crops. Over time, the management of black-grass became increasingly difficult, which affected their profits. Robert began to think about how the business could be run more sustainably and efficiently.

“We moved to the farm in 1988 and it had almost no hedges or trees – historical maps show there used to be over 90 small fields here which had been reduced to just 13. While the land was good productive, arable soil, black-grass had become a serious issue.”

In partnership with Woodland Trust

Looking to increase biodiversity, enhance the visual impact of the land, and make better use of underperforming areas, he started researching planting schemes. Following a recommendation from a neighbour, he applied to the Woodland Trust’s MOREwoods scheme, which provides advice and funding for landowners looking to plant trees.

Robert worked closely with an adviser from the Trust to design a scheme to meet his specific needs. Together, they identified less productive areas which were suitable for planting, and assessed drainage maps to make sure field drains were not compromised. Native species such as rowan, an excellent food source, were chosen to encourage biodiversity.

They planned a substantial woodland, measuring 100×600 metres and split into three segments, with a track running through it for access. Planting began in January 2021 with a total of five hectares of trees (1,600 trees per hectare) planted next to Paunch Beck, which runs into the River Ancholme at the edge of his land.

“We have a stream that goes right through the centre of the farm with the track alongside it. So, we decided to put the woods south of the track, so any shadows coming from the woods would be on the track and not the crop over the dyke.”

Enhancing wildlife habitats with hedgerows

Aware of the steep decline in biodiversity in the British countryside, Robert was keen to create corridors for wildlife by linking his new woodland with hedgerows. Having received MOREwoods funding, he became aware of the MOREhedges scheme and went on to plant 1km of hedgerow.

“We have a big reservoir on site that’s utilised for the recycling side of the business. So we interlinked the reservoir with hedges to the new plantations of wood for wildlife tracks to go down.”

Planting trees and hedgerows for future generations

Robert’s project took six months from application to planting the final tree. The subsidy allowed him to plant more woodland at a lower cost, although the return on investment isn’t straightforward.

“The benefit is in taking bad land out of production and planting a viable resource that has values you can’t quantify – like the visual impact and effect on the farm as an overall asset,” he explains.

The MOREwoods scheme provided a 60% subsidy, with Robert choosing to use Woodland Trust contractors for planting. The hedging project received a 75% subsidy, using a self-appointed contractor.

“Working with the Woodland Trust was very easy from start to finish,” he adds. “The application was simple and straightforward … and they even managed the Environmental Impact Assessment process which was required due to the size of area being planted.”

He anticipates the benefits will grow as the woodland and hedgerows mature. “We’re enhancing the farm for future generations. Yes, it’s going to take a fair while, but the plan is to leave the farm better than when we received it – not saying it wasn’t right when we got it because it was. It was the right farm for the time, but times have changed.

“The changes we’re making now are not only restoring the productive areas to a more sustainable system. We’ve taken out less productive land, squaring up fields and restoring some of the lost hedgerows and trees. The value of carbon sequestration alongside crop protection, soil fertility and the boost for wildlife are all long-term gains.”

Woodland Trust working with farmers

The Woodland Trust has decades of experience working side by side with farmers to harness the benefits of trees for business, nature and climate. The MOREwoods and MOREhedges schemes make it easy and affordable to plant trees on your land, whether you are looking to shelter crops and livestock from our increasingly wild weather, diversify your business, capture carbon or create habitats for wildlife. The schemes have already helped over 3,000 landowners with their planting projects – that’s 4 million new, native trees in the ground.

What funding and support do the schemes offer?

MOREwoods and MOREhedges subsidise up to 75% of the cost of woodland and hedgerow creation. They provide the advice and guidance needed for projects to be successful; from site suitability and species selection to planting, tree protection and management.

All farmers, landowners and land managers are welcome to apply providing the following eligibility criteria are met – all you need is a grid reference and a map of the area to be planted.

MOREwoods

• Eligible projects must plant at least 0.5ha of new woodland, with an average of 1,000-1,600. trees/hectare.
• The total area can be made up of multiple blocks of land, each 0.1 hectare minimum.

The cost to the landowner depends on project size, species choice and tree protection. On average, self-planted projects cost 40-80p per tree plus VAT, or £1-£1.80 per tree plus VAT if planted by a Trust-arranged contractor. A one-hectare site at the recommended 1,000-1,600 trees per hectare would therefore cost around £900-2,000.

MOREhedges

Qualifying schemes comprise 100 metres or more of new hedging with a large tree planted every six metres. The hedging must connect with:

• At least 0.2 hectares of existing or newly planted woodland (0.1ha in Scotland), or
• Woodland via established hedgerows within 500m of the new hedge.

Applications for MOREwoods must be submitted by 1st November if you wish to receive your trees this winter. Apply by 1st December to plant a MOREhedges this winter.

_{The Woodland Trust is a registered charity (294344 and SC038885). The Woodland Trust logo is a registered trademark.}

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The Pumpkin House at Farmer Copleys in West Yorkshire.

Two of this year’s award hopefuls hail from Yorkshire and one from Worcestershire. Last year’s trophy went to Cammas Hall in Bishop’s Stortford, Essex.

The category has been judged earlier than others in the awards to allow judging to take place at the height of the PYO season.

Those shortlisted for the PYO category will now go through to the awards in March 2024.

They include:

Bells Farm Shop, Stourport-on-Severn, Worcestershire:

Bells Farm is a third-generation family run Pick Your Own, Farm Shop, Butchery and Cafe with 40 acres of fruit and vegetables in Worcestershire. Combining traditional growing with new ideas, they aim to bring new customers to enjoy the taste and fun of pick your own and with over 200 varieties of fruit and vegetables there is something for everyone all year round.

The growing team at Bells Farm Shop.

Farmer Copleys, Pontefract, West Yorkshire:

Farmer Copleys has a family-run farm shop, Moo Café, function space and events centre. The Copley family has been farming for over 140 years with the aim of showcasing British agriculture to the community whilst also getting people engaged with the countryside and helping people learn where their food comes from and how it is produced. Visitors are encouraged to get involved in learning about food by educating through fun and offering a unique experience of interacting with homegrown local produce.

Horsforth Pick Your Own, Leeds, West Yorkshire:

Rory Kemp established Horsforth Pick Your Own almost 40 years ago in traditional small oak tree lined pasture fields, overlooking Leeds and Bradford. Now joined by his son Joe, the PYO has evolved and they grow both table top (7.75km) and in the ground strawberries (3 acres) along with raspberries (2.5 acres). For Halloween pumpkins were added in 2018 with pumpkin numbers increasing year on year to currently 70,000. For the festive season, Yorkshire grown Christmas trees are sold along with free-range bronze turkeys reared on the farm from poults, and then hand plucked, hung and dressed.

Horsforth pick your own in West Yorkshire.

Chairman of the Farm Retail Association, Emma Mosey said: “The standard of entries has been incredible. We look forward to seeing entrants from all remaining categories now, and celebrating the very best in the business at our awards ceremony next March. Good luck to all of our finalists!”

The remaining categories are now open and other finalists will be announced at the end of the year. These include:

• Large Farm Shop of the Year
• Small Farm Shop of the Year
• Farm Cafe/Restaurant of the Year
• Farm Shop Butchery of the Year
• Rising Star Award
• Farmers Market of the Year
• Associate Member of the Year
• Lifetime Achievement Award

Finalists will be showcased at an Awards Gala Dinner held in March on a date and venue to be announced.

All members of the Farm Retail Association are eligible to enter the awards free of charge.

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