Penkridge farmer shares tourism trade secrets with college students

As travel and tourism students at Walsall College aren’t able to visit a Penkridge farm and tourist attraction, one of its farmers bought the site to them online.

Richard Bower of Lower Drayton Farm hosted a virtual tour and session with 14 students on a Level 3 course.  This helped them see how the site successfully operates as a farm, farm park attraction and mini break retreat.

Lecturer, Gina Turner said: “Hearing from Richard was a brilliant way for the students to get a bit closer to another side of the industry.  Even in lockdown, they are experiencing first-hand how an established farm is diversifying into tourism.  Learning more about the enterprise, operational and promotional side of the farm is really beneficial.

“We know the industry will come to life again.  This is one example of how this will happen.  It also shows our students how they can take an active professional role in this in future.”

The guest lecture supported the students’ course module involving farm and rural tourism in the UK.  The unit requires them to understand why farms diversify into tourism, how they do this and what organisations support them. Students also explore how Government polices impact farmers.  Plus, the positives and negatives of developments to rural communities and the factors that can affect the growth of rural tourism and much more.

Richard Bower, who runs the business alongside his father, Ray said: “We are at heart a family business that takes every opportunity to reach out to local communities.  We’re keen to inspire a new generation of land lovers, raising their awareness of UK agriculture, wildlife and eco systems.

“This was a great session.  The students shared lots of feedback and questions about tourism and enterprise.”

For information about travel and tourism courses at Walsall College, see here.