Farmer's new venture is a real cash cow

2:30pm Wednesday 26th December 2007

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A FARMER who was forced to diversify after the foot-and-mouth crisis of 2001 is hoping a new venture can save her land.

Jennifer Wilkinson, who lives off Mellor Brow, Mellor, has spent £400,000 converting a disused shippon or barn into accommodation that will be available to let.

And the village entrepreneur believes the conversion will allow the farm to remain a viable business for years to come. A shippon is a place were cows were traditionally housed or milked.

She said: "The shippon was built in 1525 and I decided to convert it into homes that we put up for rent.

"I moved here about nine years ago but it soon became apparent that I would struggle to make a living from the farm.

"And when foot and mouth struck in 2001 I decided that I needed to look elsewhere in terms of making a living."

The 57-acre plot is now rented out to another farmer who keeps sheep on the organically farmed land for most of the year. In the meantime, Jennifer has worked as a business development manager for Supercover, a company that makes baby equipment in Bolton.

And Jennifer revealed the new development was not a straightforward scheme. She said: "I wanted to create something for the village, like a play group or something of that nature, but Ribble Valley Council was reluctant to approve my plans.

"This way I get to keep the farm green because it means that stock can be kept on the land as well as providing a living for me.

"I'm a member of Lancashire Rural Futures and have planted new hedgerows to make sure the farm remains a haven for wildlife.

"I've also made sure I used local materials for the property and local builders, that was very important for me."

Planning permission has already been approved and building work is under way.

The plan is for the homes to up and running by early next year and they will be available for rent for three months at a time.

With a three bedroom, two bedroom and two single bedroom properties Jennifer is confident the development will provide her with a prosperous future