Although the Lancashire Rural Futures programme has ceased

specialist rural business support can still be accessed through

Rural Futures on 01995 600724 www.ruralfutures.co.uk

The primary farm enterprise at Backridge farm is the dairy unit and associated sheep enterprise. In order to utilise all the farm assets Mr Drinkall has converted a number of redundant farm buildings into rural workshops. The first of the conversions has provided accommodation for a local candle making enterprise, “Melt” (formerly Cheeky Monkey Candles), some of the other businesses now at Backridge farm includes Ribble Valley design, The Lilac room and Twitter Lane Interiors.

Melts’ rural workshop unit created by conversion of redundant farm buildings.

The Lilac Room

As a cross-compliant measure Mr Drinkall is restoring a network of hedges, restoring ponds and creating buffer strips to protect environmental features on the holding. In addition Backridge conifer plantation will be managed through the Woodland Grant Scheme to create a dominantly broadleaved wood with an element of conifers to provide an end cash crop and interim Christmas tree sales. This farm diversification links with the neighbouring farm shop enterprise as an outlet for Christmas tree and candle sales.

Backridge Plantation