5 generations of the Crutcher family have run New House Farm in Newdigate and they have been implementing non-agricultural projects to enable the farm to remain intact and viable for generations to come. With 20 acres of woodland as part of their land, the Crutcher family wanted to expand their burgeoning woodfuel business which generates an additional source of income in the quieter winter months. Building on their experience of selling logs at the farm gate they needed additional, dry, indoor space to expand production. The Surrey Hills LEADER grant programme was able to fund 50% of the cost of a new barn to aid dry storage of timber as well as providing a working site for the tractor and log splitter used in log production. They can hence expand their customer base locally as well as supplying pubs, farm shops and the Woodstove Centre.
Not only will the project provide a winter source of income and employment for the farm it will also aid the sustainable development and management of Surrey’s woodlands.