A HOLIDAY in Devon sparked an idea for a new business venture for one farming family and on Sunday David and Carol Newhouse officially opened their new farm-based visitor centre to the public.

The couple live at Kirkby Field Farm, on the edge of Malham in Wharfedale, and received a Defra rural enterprise scheme grant for their project.

Apart from welcoming the general public, they particularly plan to educate city youngsters in farming and traditional rural skills.

Mr and Mrs Newhouse will continue farming but, alongside their traditional breeds of cattle, sheep, pigs and goats, the new centre boasts two fallow deer and a pair of wallabies. There will also be regular displays of vintage farm vehicles and demonstrations of rural skills such as drystone walling and working with sheepdogs.

The centre has ample car parking, disabled access and a picnic area.

"We got the idea for the project when we were on holiday in Devon where we visited a smallholding open to the public," said Mr Newhouse. "That started us thinking, as hundreds of schoolchildren visit Malham every year to work on projects on the unique geology of the area. Many come from urban areas and don't necessarily know too much about farming.

"We did some detailed research and found that there was certainly a demand out there for an educational attraction which would explain how we farm - how calves are reared, how we make hay, haylage, and silage. We also want to explain a little of the rural heritage we have in this area, as well as having sheepdog displays and drystone walling demonstrations."

James Hodgson, a Defra rural development service adviser in Yorkshire and the Humber, said the centre, the only one of its kind in the area, was an excellent example of a well thought out farm diversification.

"The Newhouses have really done their homework and I'm sure the centre will become a favourite for visitors to Malham, both old and young alike," he said.

"An existing agricultural building has been converted to display the animals, so there hasn't been a major impact on the landscape, and it provides the potential for local employment opportunities as well."