They also helped the Chaplin-Brice family source advice and grants from other agencies, in particular Cumbria Woodlands who helped develop the new woodland information centre in the last spare corner of their traditional Cumbria barn.”The Chaplin-Brices are an excellent example of how a rural family can overcome declining agricultural returns by diversifying into other activities, and in particular, tourism. They’re leading lights in that Network, and we’ve also helped them develop new marketing opportunities with the YHA.”CFTI also assisted them in developing their tea garden for thirsty hill walkers, and cyclists wheeling down the St John’s Vale. So they let most of their grazing to an adjoining farmer, making his holding more viable. From the outset it was clear there was little to be earned from a relatively small flock of sheep on 50 acres of craggy hillsides. “But it’s so stunning here and really has that ‘wow’ factor every morning when we get out of bed.”The Chaplin-Brices have proved to be innovative land-owners. But they have proved it can be done, and “diversification” has become the resounding household maxim at Low Bridge Farm.”We were bowled over by the farm’s setting in this magical valley, and we were determined to make a go of it,” says Graham, a former education executive.”It’s been difficult, especially these latter years when we’ve had to be fairly innovative to bring on several new projects,” he said.

The only problem was how to make this small hill farm profitable. Where others might have been thwarted, they stayed and created a home where their family would have an enviable rural upbringing. Secluded yet not remote, it has the most beautiful setting in the glorious and unspoilt valley of St John’s in the Vale, some three miles south of the popular market town of Keswick.So began the challenge of a life-time for this resolute couple who from day one decided they would somehow derive a life and income from this small farm. At first, the holding looked little more than a heap of rubble on a Cumbria hillside.
But Low Bridge Farm does have one outstanding asset: ambience. Twenty years ago Sarah and Graham Chaplin-Brice inherited a tumble-down farmhouse and outbuildings amid poor hill land in a quiet corner of the Lake District. Contact: 01582 762934 or go to .uk.

“But it does mean there’s no guarantee of quality or origin, so it’s up to you to do what you can to check that what you’re buying is fit for your purpose.”COG also runs conferences, and publishes guidance booklets. Establish what warranties the supply chain offers: if you’re worried about a component’s suitability, check whether a warranty could be negotiated.3. Check traceability: when a component has been obsolete for some time, it can be harder to trace their origin.For example, you could request datasheets or a sample batch of components for testing before you commit to a bulk order.”Lack of traceability may not mean that a component is inferior,” says COG’s Trenchard. Use suppliers you know and trust: this will give you greater confidence in the quality and origin of a component.2.