A farm nestled in the Isle of Wight countryside which has diversified to offer unique holidays as well as free educational experiences to young people in its local community is set to compete for a national award.
Nettlecombe Farm Holiday Cottages and Fishing Lakes, in Whitwell, is on the shortlist for the Best Rural Diversification Project in the Rural Business Awards after winning the East regional final.
The award category, sponsored by leading property consultancy Fisher German, which also sponsors the national final itself, recognises rural initiatives that have gone above and beyond to offer something different to its customers.
The business will now go head-to-head with other regional winners from across the UK in an online national final next Thursday (24th February).
The farm has been in the Morris family for more than 100 years, and owners John and Josie Morris first diversified to set up a bed and breakfast in the farmhouse 40 years ago. They then went on to convert the outbuildings into luxury holiday cottages and set up a farm experience where guests can explore the site, meet the animals and take part in a farm feeding tour – getting close to animals including sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, alpacas and emus.
The farm is also focused on giving back to the community and opens its gates to provide free educational visits to schools across the area.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the holiday cottages were made available to keyworkers and the business experienced a bumper season in 2021 as people looked to take advantage of staycations.
Josie said:
“Nettlecombe Farm is a wonderful site that has been regenerated while ensuring that its farming roots remain right at the heart of the business.
“We are extremely popular with repeat customers and have been lucky enough to welcome generations of the same family as those who visited us as youngsters return as adults with their own children.
“We’re also focused on giving back to our local community and educating children about animal care and careers in farming.
“We were extremely pleased to win the Best Rural Diversification Project award in the regional finals of the Rural Business Awards – something that is testament to the hard work and commitment of the fantastic staff at the farm – and we now look forward to the national finals.”
David Merton, Head of Rural at Fisher German, said:
“Nettlecombe Farm is an excellent example of how diversification can help expand a successful business and also have a positive impact on the community.
“It is fantastic to see how it not only gives holidaymakers the opportunity to experience life on a working farm, but also looks to inspire young people and educate them about the sector.”
Nettlecombe Farm’s fellow category nominees are The Coo Shed in South Ayrshire, Jimmy Birchmore Events in Warwickshire, The Enbarr Foundation in Wales, and Musgrove Willows in Somerset.
