Lower Gill Farm is an excellent example of how the environmental and business packages have been mutually beneficial. The move to holiday lets and joinery workshop as a core business has enabled Mr. Wilson to scale down the agricultural productivity of his land, while the effects of his conservation work enhances the landscape for holidaymakers. Mr Wilson has converted redundant agricultural buildings and a derelict Grade II listed farmhouse into five holiday cottages, an indoor swimming pool and a joinery workshop. The farmhouse obtained an architectural design award for the conversion to a holiday cottage.

Lower Gill Farm Holiday Cottages

Swimming Pool at Lower Gill Farm

Joinery Workshop

Lower Gill Farm had the potential to undergo a complete change of management, away from production and into habitat improvement as part of the cross compliant requirements of the proposals. Most of the farm (shaded yellow) is managed under the Countryside Stewardship Scheme for the benefit of ground-nesting wading birds and to encourage more botanical diversity, which has provided positive environmental benefits but has also benefited the individual tourism business.

Stewardship Map

Mr Wilson has also undertaken to restore 3km of hedgerow, 60m of dry stone wall and he has dug two ponds and created 1.9ha of new native woodland. The public can enjoy the benefits of his work by using the new permissive footpath through his land.

New Hedgerow