Farm Diversification: Fordhall Farm & The Big Sheep

Question 1

How much did Fofrdhall require to prevent eviction in 2006?

Answer 1

£800,000

Question 2

Where is Fordhall?

Answer 2

North Shropshire

Question 3

How did Fordhall farm survive?

Answer 3

sold shares and became community owned

Question 4

Who notoriously bought shares in Fordhall farm

Answer 4

Sting (£2,000 worth)

Question 5

Who now owns Fordhall farm

Answer 5

community owned

Question 6

What type of farming practice does Fardhall run, what is special about it?

Answer 6

organic for past 65 years

oldest organic farm in UK

Question 7

What was involved in Fordhall’s rebranding in terms of retail

Answer 7

• online shop (products delivered and sold throughout UK)
• books sold on history of Fordhall
• products sold on Wednesday’s at local market

Question 8

As part of Fordhall’s rebranding what is significant about their new restaurant?

Answer 8

Arthur’s Farm Kitchen

all organic produce

all ingredients sourced from the farm or locally

Question 9

When visiting Fordhall what active activity can you do?

What is the landscape like

Answer 9

Farm Trails

views over Tern Valley
rope bridges

Question 10

What type of accommodation does Fordhall provide

Answer 10

Glamping in Yurts

Question 11

What do the Yurts at Fordhall include that makes them sustainable

Answer 11

composting toilet,
edible garden
solar powered coolbox

Question 12

What is significant about employment at Fordhall farm

Answer 12

employs locals

Question 13

How many visitors does Fordhall receive annually

Answer 13

25,000

who spend in local economy

Question 14

Name X3 ways Fordhall supports the local community

Answer 14

1. locals employed
2. local bands / artists provided w venue to perform
   e. g local celidh band plays at barn dances
3. locals employed to produce newsletter “The Grazer”

Question 15

How does Fordhall provide for local youth

Answer 15

runs a youth program for youth w challenging behaviour

includes apprenticeships and activities

Question 16

How does Fordhall interact with the local community

Answer 16

hosts workshops that provide skills / activities

Question 17

Name an activity / skill Fordhall provides

Answer 17

Basket weaving

Question 18

How long has Fordhall been organic for?

Answer 18

65years

Question 19

How many different species in Fordhall farm

Answer 19

70+ of plant species

Question 20

What does Fordhall provide workshops in that is an example of sustainable practice?

Answer 20

“Biodynamic Gardening”

promotes sustainable foraging

Question 21

When was the Big Sheep (TBS) turned into an attraction

Answer 21

1988

Question 22

Why did TBS need rebranding

Answer 22

area struggling with post-production agriculture times

loosing income and poor economic security

Question 23

What facilities were included in the rebranding of TBS

Answer 23

Brewery
animal shows
climbing walls
shops

Question 24

What rides were included in TBS rebranding

Answer 24

farm safari
piggy pull along
swan pedalos

Question 25

What award did TBS receive which demonstrates its rebranding success

Answer 25

Visit Devon Tourism Award - Large Attraction of the Year

Question 26

What benefit do locals have of TBS

Answer 26

annual pass membership at reduced price

Question 27

How does TBS support local community activities

Answer 27

sponsors and publicises community fundraising activities

Question 28

How does TBS contribute to the positive multiplier effect in the local Devon area

Answer 28

it is a destination attraction

• tourists stay in guesthouses
• tourists spend money in local economy
• tourists use local services