Brook House Farm extends to sixty-two hectares located on the outskirts of Whalley. The principle activity being store cattle and shearling production however due to falling incomes in agriculture Mr and Mrs Townson began looking for other businesses to diversify into.

The Townsons decided that the best use of the land and buildings would be a livery yard, tack/feed shop and holiday cottages. Lancashire Rural Futures (LRF) liased with the planning authorities until planning consent for the scheme was obtained. The project was then divided into two stages. The first stage is the livery and shop, the second is the holiday cottages.

Livery Stables

Once the Townson’s obtained planning consent LRF undertook the research into funding the project, identifying suitable grant sources. Once the relevant research had been carried out LRF commenced writing the business plane and grant application for the proposed new venture.

Throughout the grant process LRF negotiated with DEFRA over the grant application in the Townson’s obtaining 30% funding from the Rural Enterprise Scheme.

Shop at Brook House Farm

In addition LRF negotiated with DEFRA on behalf of the Townsons to produce a 10 year Countryside Stewardship Scheme which provides yearly incentives to limit stocking rates during certain times of the year and minimise fertiliser use. As a result the wildflowers are allowed to expand into new areas and the habitat is much improved for breeding Snipe and Curlew whilst the owner is compensated for any loss of income.

The stewardship scheme has also created new concessionary access on the farm, again funded through DEFRA which has also improved access to a new native woodland planting on a neighbouring farm. After 2 years of planning and negotiation with partners, LRF secured funding from Forestry Commission, East Lancashire Woodlands (ELWOOD) and Future Forests to create what is believed to be the largest area of broadleaved woodland in the Ribble Valley.

Broadleaved woodland planting 

It is to be a community woodland with full public access over the whole area and will be publicised through a series of short circular walks from Clitheroe. There will be ongoing support from local community groups and schools which have already been involved in the planting. As a separate but linked LRF project the creation of a public car park funded through Lancashire Tourism Partnership and Leader Plus, will also contribute to the access opportunities for visitors to the area.