Family farmers near Harborough are launching a ‘pop-up’ campsite in the beautiful Welland Valley

Household farmers close to Market Harborough are on the point of welcome campers for this primary time this summer season as demand for sensible British holidays shoots by means of the roof.

Oli Lee and his spouse Rebecca increase round 50 Shorthorn beef cattle and 900 Lleyn pedigree sheep on their farm within the Welland Valley.

And they’re now launching a ‘pop-up’ campsite to assist individuals chill out within the nice British countryside after 16 months of Covid pandemic lockdowns.

Oli mentioned: “As a small household farm we’re at all times in search of totally different income streams and methods to diversify – and tenting is one thing we’re eager to strive.

“So we’ve got determined to make use of eight acres of meadowland that doesn’t give a incredible return from conventional agriculture and switch that right into a campsite.

“It has a stream working by means of it, grassy pitches and massive hedges that’s residence to plenty of wildlife,” mentioned Oli, who’s based mostly at Slawston.

“So it’s the excellent place to chill out and take a well-earned break.”

In addition to elevating sheep and cattle, the couple run a variety of environmental initiatives on their farm to make it’s as sustainable as attainable.

All of the animals are pasture-fed, together with legumes and natural lays within the meadows to supply a blended and nutritious diet, in addition to growing pollinator numbers.

Oli and Rebecca run a hedge administration scheme and have ponds on the farm to supply properties for a spread of animal and chook life.

They’re additionally about to launch The Grassy Shire – a butchery service promoting their sustainably-produced, slowly-reared beef and lamb on-line and for native assortment.

“We’ll offer BBQ packs to campers containing meat reared on the farm, so will probably be an actual native expertise.

“It’s a fundamental website however set in unspoilt countryside and we really feel that would be the attraction,” burdened Oli.

“Pitchup.com have been actually useful in advising us on getting the location arrange they usually’ll be managing the bookings.

“We’re wanting ahead to receiving our first company.”

The Authorities launched the 56-day extension to Permitted Growth rights – the foundations that allow campsites to be operated with out planning permission – final 12 months to assist energy a post-Covid rural restoration.

And these have been prolonged to the top of this 12 months to allow farmers and rural companies to profit from the increase in staycations.

Dan Yates, the founding father of Pitchup.com, mentioned the transfer to take care of the 56-day ruling all through 2021 is actually firing up the agricultural economic system.

And he mentioned the enterprise’s ‘Carry On Tenting’ marketing campaign – backed by the NFU and Countryside Alliance – is imploring the Authorities to increase this even additional.

“Staycations have seen a surge in recognition over current years and within the mild of COVID-19, this pattern will solely get stronger.

“On the similar time, agriculture is going through a much less sure future because the Fundamental Cost Scheme is phased out from this 12 months, which means farm incomes might fall,” mentioned Dan.

“Momentary campsites are a incredible means of producing vital further income with little or no funding and subsequent to no disruption to day-to-day enterprise operations.

“So, whereas with the ability to function for 56 days with out planning permission all through 2021 is sweet information, we wish the Authorities to go additional to help struggling land-based enterprise, and British holidaymakers, by extending this to October half time period.”