Farming in the far south of England
The National Trust is offering a unique opportunity to the right person to care for mainland Britain's most southerly farm at Lizard Point in Cornwall.
Tregullas Farm, sitting on the tip of the Lizard was acquired by the National Trust in the early 1990s and is closely linked to the local community of The Lizard, as well as providing much of the feeding ground for the first breeding pair of Cornish choughs in the county. Situated either side of the footpath to Lizard Point, hundreds of thousands of visitors pass through the farm on their way to the most southerly point.
The new tenant can choose between an initial 10 and 20-year tenancy.
Alastair Cameron, the National Trust's property manager for The Lizard explained: "The farm is on the edge of Lizard village and so when the previous tenant left, we took the time to listen to what the local community wanted from the land on their doorstep and to give them an opportunity to be involved in its future. We found that most people wanted a working farm, that wildlife, access and views were important and that people were really interested in being able to buy local food. So now we are looking for a new tenant who wants to work with the local community and ourselves to help make the most of this opportunity."
The trust has been working with three local groups set up as a result of this consultation, one looking at a community food-growing scheme, another seeking new uses for the old buildings and a third looking at the wildlife potential of the new tenancy.
Mr Cameron said: "It has been great working with the local community and trying to develop these new projects. It's not all been successful but we're hoping that the partnership approach can continue with our new tenant and we can move forward with projects that benefit the people of The Lizard as well as our tenant."
An estimated 200,000 people visit Lizard Point each year, all of whom will walk, cycle or drive past the farmhouse and through the farm to reach their destination, this iconic stretch of Cornish coast.
Justin Whitehouse, head ranger for The Lizard said: "We want Tregullas Farm to be a flagship farm for the trust, demonstrating that farming with high-conservation standards can be achieved in a profitable and sustainable way, benefiting wildlife, the community and visitors and producing quality local produce."
Tenancy of the 96.6 hectare Tregullas Farm includes a house and buildings and the land, which has a Higher Level Stewardship agreement.
Farming News Daily Supporting British Pig Farmers
Source: thisisdevon