Situated in Bashall Eaves in the heart of the Ribble Valley is Clough Bottom Farm which is owned by Harry and Jane Backhouse and dates back to the 17 th Century. But despite the farm being long established, the work carried out is far from traditional! Although still working as an organic beef farm, several diversification projects have brought onto the farm a host of different modern day activities.

In the early 1960s Christmas tree plantations were begun with the trees subsequently being sold on a wholesale basis to local contractors. Expanding on the Christmas tree plantations a tree nursery has been developed and comprises over 100 different species of native and ornamental trees such as Alder, Birch, Beech, Hawthorne, Japanese Maple, Cherry, Maple and Magnolia. The trees are grown in 35 litre root control bags enabling Jane and Harry to sell them to the public or wholesale companies. The trees are semi-matured specimens, some are up to 30ft tall, so perfect for creating instant gardens.

As well as the tree nursery, the 365 acres at Clough Bottom provides grazing for horses during both summer and winter months. The farm is particularly suitable for horses/ponies that are either at rest or those that need to be looked after (e.g. retired, those taking a break, brood mares, convalescing, young stock etc). The horses are managed in as natural a state as possible and are provided with a stress free, relaxed and safe environment. Many of the equine businesses surrounding Clough Bottom Farm only offer horse owners livery services whereas the Backhouses are able to supply a place to graze.

The diversification projects detailed above have proved very popular with the public. Clough Bottom Farm, however, doesn’t stop there! In addition to the tree surgery and the grazing for horses there are three holiday cottages available to rent.

The Coach House which is Grade II listed and sleeps 4 in two bedrooms. Saddlebarn is the largest of the cottages with a more contemporary feel; it sleeps 6 in three bedrooms. Woodcutter's Cottage is the oldest cottage on the site, dating from the 16th century; it sleeps 4 in two bedrooms. Two of the cottages have received Gold awards from Country Holidays and the Coach House has a Silver Tourist Board Award.

If all this wasn’t enough a training centre has been developed where regular seminars take place.

We welcome visitors anytime and hold regular Open Days throughout the year.

You can contact Clough Bottom Farm on 01254 826222 or check out our websites at www.cloughbottom.co.uk and www.focus-training.net

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