APPENDIX 1 – Examples of Projects Pursued under the 2017-13 Leader Programme

Case Studies

3.1 INCREASING FARM PRODUCTIVITY

3.1.1 Modernising Dairy Facilities at Park Farm

Park Farm, a dairy farm of 550 cattle was given the chance to improve its energy efficiency by installing a Vacuum on Demand pump. The vacuum pump can run at slow speeds, only speeding up when extra vacuum is needed. The vacuum pumps are used to produce sufficient air flow to operate the milk harvesting equipment and represent 80% of the energy used by the milking equipment components. The pump enabled the dairy to lower its energy consumption and energy emissions, as well as significantly reducing noise in the dairy shed. The LEADER grant also enabled the dairy to purchase a heat exchanger, which uses the heat from the milk refrigeration units to heat water which in turn is used to wash the milking plant. To improve the efficiency of the dairy further, the grant paid towards an automatic dipping and flushing system. The milking clusters automatically spray teat dip on the teats and then wash themselves between cows to prevent cross infection, this significantly aids the animal health and welfare and also improves the efficiency of the dairy.

Bob Ives, owner of the business explained why the funding was so important, "The energy saving items will not only utilise electricity more efficiently, but have helped the business maintain margins during low milk prices and the animal health items have had great welfare benefits which have also led to financial savings".

3.2 INCREASING FORESTRY PRODUCTIVITY

3.2.1 Firewood Processing Equipment for Greywell Estate

The Greywell Hill Estate has been awarded £6,425 as a 40% contribution towards the purchase of a new pto driven firewood processor, log splitter and 4 tonne trailer. This equipment will not only provide a safer way to cut and split logs (the processor comes with a hydraulic log lifter), it will also provide the means to transport it to local homes (within 5 miles of the estate).

The woodlands are managed under the England Woodland Grant Scheme (administered by the Forestry Commission) for their biodiversity value. Much of the woodland is designated a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) The woods are under a rotational coppice cycle as well as other forms of silvicultural management. This project aims to make economical use of the arisings from the management of the woodland. Wood that cannot be sold as timber or usable coppice material can be sold as firewood, which is a low carbon source of energy to heat homes.

Local students often come to work on the estate and the project will provide more work and learning opportunties for those wishing to discover more about working in forestry management. It provides an income to the estate and a environmentally sustainable way to use a by-product from woodland management and a low carbon fuel source for local people, meaning low fuel miles.

3.2.2 Firewood and Coppice Merchant – boosting business

A firewood and coppice merchant based at Crondall near Farnham was the first business to win funding from the previous Loddon and Eversley LEADER Local Action Group (LAG).

A grant of more than £4000 made to firewood and coppice merchant Mark Howard has enabled him to buy a new machine to process firewood. Production of firewood accounts for up to 65% of his business.

Upon receiving his grant, Mark Howard said: “The funding has certainly helped my business, it has allowed me to up date my firewood processing machinery and invest in a larger tipping trailer, so effectively I can now deliver more orders more quickly and consistently throughout the year.”

Mark explained the need to update his machinery: “The increased demand for wood fuel has developed because consumers are looking for a green or carbon neutral alternative to fossil fuels, or to supplement their heating bills by installing log burners. As a result our firewood business has grown by almost 100%. We promote our business as ‘local wood for local people’, as all our timber is sourced from local estates either from managed forestry or coppiced woodland”.

Mark is also a hazel hurdle maker and coppice product supplier. His business supplies thousands of pea sticks to London which are used primarily to support herbaceous plants, as well as hurdles, pea sticks and bean rods. He also offers woodland and countryside conservation services, including hedge laying, coppicing and tree and hedge planting. Mark summed up: “Supplying hurdles from coppiced woodland and converting locally grown timber into woodfuel means every customer is helping to conserve Hampshire’s ancient woodland heritage, which is a prime motivator behind our business!”

3.2.3 Adding Value to Wood Products by boosting timber processing

JDB forestry contractors near Eversley boosted their business when they received a LEADER grant to purchase a new tractor and rotating wood splitter. This meant that the biomass production side of the business could grow, by enabling a more efficient and powerful tractor to operate their chipper, boosting production of woodchip whilst saving energy and road miles. The wood splitter enables the processing of much larger wood, reducing waste from forestry operations.

LEADER has helped the micro-business to thrive and two years later, the business was ready to expand further having boosted income from the woodfuel. Paul said, "This grant has really helped our enterprise to grow and has made such a difference to our income, we have even employed an extra hand to support us from the local area".

The business benefited from subsequent LEADER funding, purchasing a mobile saw mill and firewood processor. Paul continued, "We are now able to process the timber and create a usable material, selling sawn timber from our yard. We have already identified a market for bespoke sawn timber products such as large gate posts and other garden timber. By processing the timber, we have significantly added to its value".

3.3 GROWTH OF MICRO AND SMALL ENTERPRISES

3.3.1 Increase Production Capacity for Tunworth Cheese Producer

Hampshire Cheeses is a local business based in Herriard near Basingstoke and produces artisan cheese. It was set up in 2003, and in 2006 commenced production of Tunworth cheese. This is an unpasteurised mould-ripened soft cow’s cheese and has won several awards. The dairy was only able to produce around 230 cheeses per day and demand had far outstripped this, so the need to move to larger premises was necessary in order to meet the expansion requirements of the business. Stacey Hedges of Hampshire Cheeses explained: “We still produce each cheese by hand, and they are matured slowly in order to allow the flavour to develop. We also hope to develop a new cheese over the next few years using the same delicious unpasteurised milk and traditional methods of maturing.” Tunworth, a creamy brie-like cheese, was awarded Supreme Champion at the 2006 British Cheese Awards, beating over 840 other entries, and also won a gold at the World Cheese Awards in 2007.

Total grants awarded for this project were £97,000 and contributed to the cost of refurbishment of new premises to create a new larger dairy and the purchase of new equipment and refrigeration. These new, larger premises will enable production to increase to 750 Tunworth cheeses a day, will enable the employment of more staff and increase supply to local outlet businesses. It will also benefit the local farm where the milk comes from and provide a learning facility for school children and colleges and an opportunity for work placement to support career development. Although this was not a normal LEADER grant as the maximum is usually £50,000, the Loddon and Eversley team funded the extra amount due to the significant outcomes the project was able to achieve.

Update! Hampshire Cheeses recognised at international awards

Hampshire Cheeses was one of the earliest recipients of a LEADER grant in the Loddon and Eversley area, receiving funds towards the expansion of their operations and moving into new premises. Already renowned for its quality, the business wanted to maintain their artisan techniques yet operate on a much larger scale to cope with the demand. The funds and the planning process they undertook in order to make the application helped greatly towards their success.

They can now firmly place themselves as one of the top cheese producers in the world after being winners in the world cheese awards held in Birmingham recently.

Competition was very tough with thousands of entries from all over the world. Out of 2,781 cheeses entering the competition from 30 countries, only 50 cheeses are awarded a Super Gold medal. Hampshire Cheese’s Tunworth Cheese won a Super Gold Award. This is the latest accolade for the cheese which has previously been awarded the Supreme Champion British Cheese. In addition, Jamie Oliver has chosen Tunworth, with four other British cheeses, to go head to head with the best five French cheeses in his new Channel 4 series Food Fight Club which begins on Thursday December 6th at 9pm on Channel 4. Of course Tunworth won!

Stacey Hedges, owner of Hampshire Cheeses said: “I am delighted by this prestigious award. It is a tremendous achievement for such a small company and to be picked by Jamie Oliver to represent Britain against France was fantastic. We had great fun making the programme. It’s not every day that you get a congratulatory hug from Jamie Oliver.“

3.3.2 Pasteurising locally produced milk for Cheese Producer

Artisan cheese maker Two Hoots Cheese has received funding to increase the volumes of their production. A LEADER grant helped to fund a milk pasteuriser and the equipment needed to test the milk for the cheese making, however this was not a simple project!

Milk quality is crucial to the flavour and texture of the final product, so to increase production capacity involved owners Andy and Sandra Rose solving these, and other problems:

. being able to pasteurise milk on site . testing milk on site . arranging a change of milk supplier to a local dairy farm . planning how to move more frequent milk deliveries in a restricted space . increasing the capacity of the production equipment itself, without affecting the flavour

LEADER was able to help solve these problems by providing a grant towards equipment needed and a year down the line, they received a Gold Award at the World Cheese Awards in Birmingham as Best English Cheese for their ‘Two Hoots’ original Barkham Blue cheese. Congratulations to them and we are so pleased that they were willing to make the leap of faith into bigger production volumes with a little help from us.

3.3.3 Andwells Micro-Brewery - Relocation and Expansion of Business

Andwells micro brewery benefited from LEADER funding which went towards the cost of moving the brewery to a larger premises thereby enabling installation of a larger 20 barrel brew house. The grant paid towards equipment needed for the new brew house. Not only could the business now produce significantly more beer to meet growing demand, but the larger site meant that the business could operate brewery tours as well as open a small shop selling the beer produced on site.

Adam the owner of Andwells said, "Our new tours have enabled us to promote the fact that local raw material goes into our crafted products that we then supply to a local market. We have increased visitors to the area through these tours and have created new jobs to meet the demands of the growing business". The business is hoping to expand further and has grown from strength to strength since receiving LEADER funding.

3.3.4 Knight Land Management - Helping a New Business to Get Started

Knight Land Management was a new business in its first year of operation. Two local men had taken the challenge of giving up their day jobs and setting up a business providing contractual services in practical land management, specialising in conservation and environmental management. A LEADER grant paid for necessary tools and equipment which would enable the business to take on a greater range of tasks and contracts. The grant enabled the business to grow so successfully, that within a year, they were ready to expand. A further larger grant provided funds towards a new forestry tractor, trailer and post rammer. This would enable the business to take on large fencing jobs, increase the efficiency of their forestry work and provide a valuable woodfuel as a by-product.

The business has gone from strength to strength and provided further employment for a number of sub-contractors as well as the two main partners. Tim Boorman said, "We can now offer a wider range of services and undertake works more efficiently. This means we can give environmental organisations, charities, etc. better value for money. We can also undertake high volumes of fencing works, placing more regular orders with the chestnut suppliers further helping a local existing business to thrive and supporting sustainable woodland management".

3.3.5 Foremost Tree Surgeons – Increase business potential by purchasing new machinery.

Foremost Tree Surgeons near Tadley, a rural micro business was investigating ways to expand their ability to take on a wider range of work, develop further opportunities and purchase equipment necessary to develop their range of contracts. They received a grant of £49,185 which they used to buy a dual rotation flail 1.2m multicut, a tractor mounted mulcher, a trailer with heavy duty crane fitted and a powerful brushwood chipper.

Since receiving funding, the business has employed an additional 7 members of staff and substantially increased their profits. Further investments has been made by the business, purchasing additional equipment to continue the growth of the company.

3.4 FARM DIVERSIFICATION

3.4.1 Down Farm - Green Waste Recycling Plant

The means to allow a struggling farm to diversity and grow its business was boosted by LEADER, when funding gave Robert Benford of Down Farm the opportunity to expand his green waste recycling business. The farm has installed a large recycling area, including equipment to separate green waste, chip and compost . It has also purchased a new drying plant for the woodchip, all fuelled by green waste brought to the farm by small businesses needing a place to dispose of it.

The farm has benefited hugely, adding to its income by taking in the waste and then selling it as compost and woodfuel (including woodchip). This has supported the core activities of the farm and enabled it to continue to thrive.

3.4.2 Well Manor Farm ’Little Grey Sheep’ - Promoting and Selling Local Produce

Well Manor Farm is both an arable and sheep farm, specialising in breeding rare breed Gotland sheep, as well as a few Pygora goats (a cross between Angora and Pygmy goats). The farm has grown its Gotland herd to over 160 ewes and has, as a result, branched into markets that utilise the unusual fleece the sheep produce. It now sells knitting yarns and spinning fibres, using the goats for fine fibre. The farm has created a brand for this called ’The Little Grey Sheep’, as well as a website to provide the necessary marketing. A LEADER grant has helped the business develop further by providing funding towards a new barn where the wool will be showcased and sold to the visiting public. Emma, who is running the wool side of the farm says, "The barn is nearly finished, all the corner posts and door surrounds are being made from our own chestnut and oak which were felled last year in our sustainably managed woodlands. It is wonderful to have been able to source our own wood for a building that should be with us for the next 250 years".

The barn will provide a place for visitors to meet other wool enthusiasts, attend courses and learn about the farm and various crafts that utilise the wool. It will sell the fleeces produced on the farm, as well as the yarns, knitting patterns and clothing, all made from wool produced by the farms Gotland sheep. The barn will also accommodate a studio for weaving and spinning, a classroom to cater for the school and educational visits, and a specialised shearing shed with a viewing gallery.

Emma continues, "The Well Manor Barn is critical to the future development of the existing wool business. Production of fibre has increased significantly and we hope to continue this growth. The barn will enable us to do this successfully by providing a clean shearing shed operation, as well as an area to showcase the yarns and fibres".

3.4.3 Many down Farm Maize Maze - Providing An On-Farm Recreational Facility

Manydown Farm, near Basingstoke, was looking to diversify and open up areas of the farm for recreational enjoyment. LEADER funding helped to pay towards equipment needed to maximize the potential to attract visitors. The farm had previously developed a maize maze, but grant aid was needed to help pay towards a catering van to provide a café facility. The van was purchased using LEADER funding, and offered locally produced food and a new facility that would give visitors a chance to relax and eat during their visit. The grant also paid for bridge platforms for the maize, trampolines for the children’s play area, as well as tills and software required to improve sales information. The LEADER grant also paid towards fencing to develop a farm walk experience and a marketing plan to help the farm fully develop market opportunities. Guy Drummond, one of the farm’s partners tells us, "Since the farm was funded, the number of visitors has grown significantly, enabling the farm to thrive and further develop opportunities. Manydown Farm now offers visitors a chance to try their hand at go-carts and mini tractors, it has an arts and craft tent and also an adventure play area. We are very pleased with the result and LEADER made a real difference to us".

3.4.4 Purdue Farm - new business premises

A mixed arable and beef farm based near Stratfield Saye applied for a grant of £36,000 towards conversion of a redundant farm building. The newly converted building would provide office space for local businesses. This would enable small local businesses to find rural premises, negating the need to drive into Basingstoke or Reading, saving transport costs. The project built upon an existing diversification whereby other buildings on the farm had previously been converted and successfully occupied.

The barn to be converted was an old wooden framed building in poor repair. Without the assistance of a grant, the barn would have most likely fallen into total disrepair permanently, meaning the loss of yet another traditional old building from the countryside. The building was converted in keeping with it’s heritage and created an attractive small office, enabling the farm to meet the growing demand for further office space locally. It also developed the economic sustainability of the farm, as the additional diversification enterprise has helped support the underlying farming business enabling it to thrive, particularly during times of adversity.

3.5 DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL TOURISM AND RECREATION

3.5.1 Miller’s Ark Farm - Improving Visitor Facilities for Locals and Tourism

A small farm specialising in rare breed animals has received a LEADER grant, enabling it to boost the on-site services available for visitors. Miller’s Ark farm, based near Hook, specialises in breeding a wide variety of animals, including Irish Moiled rare breed cattle, traditional belted galloways, rare breed sheep, pygmy goars, kune kune pigs to name a few. It also houses donkeys, ducks, geese, turkeys and chicken. Visitors are welcome, giving people a rare opportunity to get up close to the animals and experience life on a farm. The LEADER grant paid for a new car park enabling more people to come to open days and a little train to carry visitors from the car park to the farm.

Liz, who manages the business said, "LEADER has enabled us to encourage more visitors. This in turn provides an opportunity to reach more people and teach about rural life and farming. We also encourage those with disabilities to visit, and many visitors have told me how much pleasure the visit has given them".

3.5.2 Nextdoor Bistro - Supporting a new business to attract visitors to Odiham

Nextdoor is a bistro on Odiham High Street. Formerly part of The George Hotel, the owners faced closure due to a lease ending with the adjacent premises. A LEADER grant enabled them to refurbish and separate the freehold part of the building, providing a means to continue to trade but under a new name, rebranding as a restaurant and bar. The grant paid for a brand new kitchen, equipment and installation, enabling the new bistro to cook food on the premises. Since its launch in October 2012, the bar has gone from strength to strength, it has provided an informal meeting place within Odiham for locals and visitors and has become quite a hub within the community.

Rachel, owner of the business tells us how successful the project has been, "Our customers have given us fantastic feedback, they love the buzz and atmosphere of the new restaurant. We are also now attracting people popping in for a lunch meeting as the place offers an informal setting with a variety of food choices. Our business has thrived and without the grant it would have been difficult for us to take on this new challenge".

3.5.3 Hampshire Fare - Loddon and Eversley Recipe Booklet

The previous Loddon and Eversley LEADER Programme grant aided a recipe booklet showcasing local food from local producers in the area. Hampshire Fare applied for a grant of £11,500 to produce the booklet which was given away free of charge to local businesses, outlets and community enterprises. The aim was to show what the Loddon and Eversley area had to offer, and many local producers were featured in the booklet, including Hampshire Cheeses showcasing their Tunworth Cheese, Manydown Farm Shop, Summerdown Farms, Mapleleaf Watercress, Hartley Wintney Country markets, Andwell Brewing Company, Wellington Farm Shop, Farmer Gosden’s luxury Dairy Ice cream and local coppice craftsmen and beekeeper. The booklet was very well received and helped encourage visitors to the area, it also supported local businesses and local food production.

3.6 RURAL COMMUNITY SERVICES

3.6.1 Securing the Future of Odiham Cross Barn

The Odiham Cross Barn is Hampshire’s oldest surviving brick built barn, it is a Grade 2 Listed Building dating back to 1532. The Barn was restored to a basic level in the early 1990s as part of a neighbouring residential development of the original Palace Gate Farm. A short while later the building was transferred by the local council to the community to be run as a community building operated by a charity limited by guarantee, the trustees of the charity also being directors of the company.

For the building to survive and prosper as the cultural and social hub of the community it needed much investment in it’s facilities. The economic viability of the main hall was restricted because it contained essential equipment such as stacks of chairs, tables and pianos, all items which hindered full use being made of this historic space and which detracted from the visual attractiveness of such a historic building, the equipment needed to be stored elsewhere. After ten years of negotiation planning permission was granted for a storage extension along an external boundary of the Barn. The Trustees over the years accumulated funds for this project but still had a short fall if the extension was to be built to the high standard expected for this unique building.

A grant from LEADER made up the short fall and enabled the extension to be built. At last the Barn could fulfil it’s true potential as the thieving hub of the community. Local business grew and developed as new classes and events were developed in the Barn, local producers are able to rent the Barn to publicise their produce and the Barn is a focal point for all family celebrations supported by a dedicated group of local businesses including florists, caterers, wine merchants and taxis.

LEADER has secured the economic life of a building unique in Hampshire and enabled success business start ups in a rural community of some 4000 people

3.6.2 Tadley Town Council – An improved local facility.

Tadley and District Community Association won a grant of £21,000 to pay for tiered seating in the Tadley Community Centre in July 2012, from the previous round of LEADER funding. The Community Association work on making relevant improvements to facilities for the communities of Tadley and the surrounding rural villages. The local community felt was there was no place to go nearby to catch up on the latest films, other than driving into Basingstoke to the cinema. They had recently installed audio visual equipment in the community centre at Tadley and started to run a community cinema. However in order to use the hall as an effective local venue, they needed to install retractable tiered seating. It would also give the hall greater flexibility to allow the hall to attract performing arts, including amateur dramatics, concerts, comedy nights, business presentations and community meetings.

By being able to offer a wide range of services the community association would better be able to engage with the rural communities of Tadley, Baughurst, Pamber Heath, Pamber Green, Pamber End, Charter Alley, Ashford Hill, Brimpton, Aldermaston and provide a comprehensive facility that would support their work of enhancing the social welfare for recreation and leisure of residents living within a 5 mile radius of the Community Centre.

3.7 CULTURAL AND HERITAGE ASSETS AND EVENTS

3.7.1 Hampshire Museums and Galleries – Citadel Bridge at Basing House

Basing House was a major Tudor Palace and Castle and once rivaled Hampton Court Palace in size and opulence. It is located in Old Basing, close to the River Loddon, and is now run as a visitor centre and museum by the Hampshire Cultural Trust. Today, only its foundations and earthworks remain, which are listed as a Scheduled Ancient Monument. This project aimed to restore the original route across the castle moat, by creating a new footbridge for visitors that would link the castle to the house. The bridge was made to replicate a defensive device, in common use in the 16th Century. It zig zags back and forth in order to force aggressors to present the best possible target to the defenders of the castle. Unfortunately both the castle and original house were demolished by parliamentary troops during the civil war in what was one of the last great battles of the campaign.

The new oak bridge looks rather impressive and improves visitor access to the ‘citadel’ area with it’s Norman Castle remains (bailey and ringwork bank) and the remains of the Tudor House. It spans the western ditch of the Norman bailey, sailing over the excavated remains of the western gatehouse.

The project received £9,900 in 2011 towards the bridge and it has since been well received by visitors to the newly interpreted and developed attraction.