Success Story
A family farm on the Yorkshire moors secured £100,000 from NPIF II – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II), to open a glamping site.
| Region/Nation | Yorkshire and Humber |
|---|---|
| Sector | Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing |
| Programme | Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II |
| Partner |
Thornton Park Farm lies 1100ft above sea level and enjoys spectacular views over Ripponden and Sowerby Bridge. The NPIF II investment will enable the family - Richard and Nina Dunnett and their son Jack - to construct five luxury pods and diversify their income from farming activities.
The family currently has a flock of 70 sheep, herds of Highland and Gasconne cattle and seven young Suffolk punch horses, an endangered species which they have started to breed.
Thornton Park Farm was previously run by Richard’s father Bob, who acquired the land in the 1960s and also ran a haulage business and agricultural contracting service from the site. Having initially worked in the haulage business, Richard went on to launch a gritting company and now operates a fleet of eight gritter lorries serving clients including Manchester United Football Club, local councils and supermarkets.
Following Bob’s death in 2015, farming activities ceased for four years until Richard and Nina decided to bring the land back into use. They have now been joined by 23-year-old Jack who has recently graduated from agricultural college.
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