news index

farmers links

Villagers and visitors alike are enjoying the delights of a rural retreat in the heart of Northumberland that offers access for all.

Dene House Farm and Leisure Club at Longframlington was just a simple arable and sheep farm when Patrick and Patricia Wilson moved in 18 years ago. Now, following a lot of hard work and determination, the couple has created a peaceful oasis anyone can enjoy.

Most recent improvements have included a new accommodation block to cater for ten extra guests, to add to the 16 in the existing four cottages, and new manager's accommodation, which allows for serviced accommodation and a 24-hour on-call emergency service. These have been funded with support from Defra's Rural Enterprise Scheme (RES), delivered by the Rural Development Service (RDS).

A new circular walk, fully accessible for wheelchair users, has also been created as part of the couple's Countryside Stewardship Scheme (CSS) agreement, which they signed in October last year. The route takes users through a woodland, first planted in 1993 with the support of the Woodland Grant Scheme, which provides ongoing support for its management.

Patricia explained:

"Patrick's family has been in farming for generations but now we're focusing on this new area of business.

"It all started about 14 years ago when we got involved with a respite care programme run by Northumberland County Council for youngsters with learning difficulties.

"From that work came the idea of providing accommodation and a leisure facility with full access for people with disabilities - we wanted to give people a chance to come on holiday, experience life on a farm and enjoy our lovely countryside.

"We started with just four cottages, which each cater for four people, then we looked at adding the leisure facilities and we soon realised there was a need for local people to also have access, so it's open to the rural community who sign up as members of the club as well as our guests.

"We have a pool, sauna rooms, a well-equipped gym, tennis court, mini golf course and we can also offer aromatherapy sessions and even hairdressing, physiotherapy, podiatry and tai chi. They can also come and have a go at archery.

"We had a lot of help and advice from Richard Waters, of One NorthEast, who suggested we contact the RDS. The new accommodation block has been built where the old lamb sheds were and can be offered as B&B or self-catering. The new manager's accommodation means we now have staff on hand to offer a 24-hour emergency service, with alarm systems installed in all the rooms."

At the same time, the couple have been keen to improve the environment around the farm and, with the help of the Woodland Grant Scheme, they created the new woodland on what was once a field where sheep grazed. They planted hundreds of trees including ash, wild cherry, oak and conifers, covering almost three and a half hectares.

"It's really helped boost the amount of wildlife and numbers of birds we get in the area," said Patrick. "We now see deer, badgers and hares and all sorts of different birds.

"We signed up to CSS in October 2004 to take things even further and are now planning to create a new pond, carry out hedge planting and add field margins to create more different habitats. The really great thing is that it's also allowed us to add a new half-mile circular walk through the woodland that is suitable for wheelchair users, so now everyone can enjoy it."

Anne Evens, who lives near the farm, has been a member of the leisure club since it first opened. "I have MS and I find using the pool is a great way for me to exercise," she said.

"I never really bothered swimming before as the nearest pool was in Morpeth, but this has really made a difference and it's a great chance to meet up with friends from the village."

Journalist Tom Dowling, who is editor of "All Together Now" magazine for people with disabilities and has been a wheelchair user for over 30 years, is a regular guest at Dene House.

"Being in a wheelchair you have to think and plan ahead, you can't just turn up somewhere as often it's just not accessible. Things are getting better but more still needs to be done and it's wonderful to find a place like Dene House - Patrick and Patricia have really gone out of their way to create somewhere that is user-friendly and welcoming for all."

Neil Dixon, Woodland officer for the Forestry Commission, said:

"Northumberland has less woodland cover than many English counties, mainly because of large scale clearance for agricultural use in the past. The new woodland at Dene House is helping ensure we have a diverse landscape and habitat that benefits local wildlife and the new footpath helps people access this great countryside of ours."

Martin Price, an adviser at the Rural Development Service in the North East, said:

"Dene House is a wonderful example of how different schemes within the England Rural Development Programme (ERDP) can be used together to complement each other and delivery both economic and environmental benefits.

"Dene House is a project that encompasses many of the key elements of the Programme - helping to achieve sustainable rural businesses, improving the environment and allowing greater access for people to enjoy our rich and diverse countryside."

Horse Riders To Enjoy New Facilities At Northumberland Equestrian Centre
Grizedale Farmer Makes History Restoring Cumbria's Ancient Woodland
Don’t Destroy Rainforests To Grow Biofuels Warns CLA