A Lincolnshire family are inviting people to share their view over a 20 acre nature reserve, thanks to a grant from Defra's Rural Enterprise Scheme (RES).
Kevin and Pat Armstrong, signmakers for 30 years, have used the 50% RES grant to turn a workshop into two self-catering holiday cottages in a spectacular position; adjacent to their reserve at the Wold's Farm in Nettleton.
The family decided to utilise their property to attract like minded birdwatchers and nature lovers, while increasing their income as the sign-making business became increasingly competitive.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY, Friday 16 JULY 2004, 2pm. The Armstrongs will have an official opening day for their friends, family and their builders.
The Armstrongs hope to encourage visitors to the area to try local fare, such as Lincolnshire Poacher cheese and local sausages. They will also be able to cook eggs from the Armstrong's own chickens.
Pat Armstrong said:
"The whole venture has cost us a lot more than we expected and been a lot of hard work, but we're grateful for the help of Defra's RES grant and all the hard work and support from our friends, neighbours and builders. We now have two lovely cottages, which fit about four people in each. We've named them after birds you can spot in our nature reserve: the Yaffle, a green woodpecker; and the Myrtle, a mistle thrush .
"I think people will really enjoy staying here, so close to the nature reserve and the animals. They'll be able to wake up and see traditional Hebridian and Portland sheep grazing, with their lambs gamboling over the reserve."
Peter Hayman, a Defra Rural Development Service adviser in the East Midlands, said:
"We're always pleased to support projects which offer so much. This will benefit Kevin and Pat Armstrong and help bring tourists into the area to support the local community."