by Chris Malone
A Huntingdonshire couple have won a coveted award for the farm they transformed into a mixed use recreational site.
David and Jayne Newman began their project at Stroud Hill Park Farm 15 years ago after realising that the soil was incapable of allowing them to earn a living through arable measures.
Since then, they have created a paintball facility, caravan park and built a restaurant on the site, with diners being fed pork and other produce from the still-working farm, the Hunts Post reported.
Having previously won the AA Campsite of the Year prize and two gongs at the Hunts Post Food and Drink Awards, the site has now received another honour.
It was recently handed the Farmers’ Weekly Diversification Farmer of the Year Award 2010 for its efforts in creating a profitable business out of a farm.
“David and Jayne Newman have shown huge energy in converting a farm into a property offering quality recreation and conservation,” explained judge Peter Pragg.
The couple now intend to build two eco-lodges on the site as they look to create a niche in green tourism.
In other news, rental firm Amber Leisure has begun offering touring caravans and motorhomes to families who wish to take their dogs.
