A FREE information day is being held in the Lake District next week to teach farmers about innovation in "challenging times".

Visitors to Nibthwaite Grange Farm, near Ulverston, will learn about the award-winning enterprises of John Atkinson and Maria Benjamin, and see how diversification is paying off for the pair, who are tenants of National Trust bare land.

Will Cleasby, farming advisor for the National Trust, said that, at a time of increasing pressure on traditional farm income streams, farmers needed support in looking at options for adding value and diversifying.

Andrea Meanwell, farming officer for the Lake District National Park and organiser of the Nibthwaite Grange event, said: "There are many ways in which farming families can bring in additional income and we want to start sharing some good examples to inspire others.

"John and Maria are doing some exciting work on their farm. It’s this type of innovation that will help farmers adapt in these challenging times.

"Developing new enterprises can be fraught with risk and there is often the need to develop new skills as John and Maria will explain.

"This event aims to show what can be achieved through hard work and innovative thinking."

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Farmers John Atkinson and Maria Benjamin commented: “Successful diversification for us is about making the best use of what you have, be that location, setting or getting the most value out of what you produce well.

"There are lots of opportunities out there but it's easy to get lost in it all, hopefully at this event we can share with people some of our ideas and experiences.”

The event is taking place on Wednesday, November 27, beginning at 10.30am with a farm walk.

After lunch there will be a chance to look at Mr Atkinson's and Ms Benjamin's diversification enterprises ,with the day ending at 3pm.

Booking is essential and can be done by emailing Will Cleasby at William.cleasby@nationaltrust.org.uk or by phoning him on 07767674455.