First class glamping opportunity for Shropshire farmers

I write this on my return from an event that was bustling with farmers full of optimism, positivity and actively planning for a more profitable future.

As you might suspect, this wasn’t an agricultural trade gathering. It was the Glamping Show, an event breathing new life into an increasingly large part of the showground at Stoneleigh.

It might not be the Royal Show, but it was full of farmers with ideas, looking to put those ideas into reality.

Over three long and busy days the halls and fields were full of people quizzing their peers as well as industry experts so their plans could bear fruit. They were eager to learn from the experience and advice of others to avoid the many pitfalls that suddenly appear when you step out of your comfort zone.

What I found particularly pleasing was that the vast majority of the hundreds of people we spoke to were looking for an additional income stream not because they wanted to leave the industry, but because they wanted to stay farming.

Glamping is not new, but it is a relatively young sector and there is still plenty of opportunity, ideal for those with land and experience of managing it. This makes it an attractive choice for farms, especially ones in counties like Shropshire where people want to visit, to stay and to spend money.

I spoke with many farmers who had already generated income from a glamping operation. What became obvious was that the most successful are those who service the top end of the market, where the demand is greatest, and continues to grow.

Given the increasing expectations of people who holiday in this country – and it’s fair to say that visitors to Shropshire have higher than average expectations – this is an opportunity for farmers to safeguard a business that might struggle to remain viable by farming alone.

Of course nothing is guaranteed and there are pitfalls to avoid so, as ever, my advice is to take advice. The earlier the better and make sure you talk to those in similar positions who have already done it and can share their experience.

With an eye on the future, even one yurt could make a difference. But you’d better make it en-suite!

Mark Riches, CLA Director Midlands