DIVERSIFICATION: THE MATTERLEY ESTATE

Agriculture has been changing over recent decades; increasing environmental demands as well as a Common Agricultural Policy reform which expects farmers to become more self-reliant rather than dependent on subsidies has meant that there has been a decline in farm-related jobs and an excess of land and buildings that are no longer used for agricultural purposes.

In these circumstances, it has become important for farmers to diversify in order to supplement their incomes and to ensure the survival of their farms. One such farmer is Peveril Bruce, an accountant turned dairy farmer whose determination to see his farm not only survive but to thrive has meant that he has turned to diversification on a grand scale. This film sees how the Matterley Estate has become a venue for motocross, tank driving and the now-famous Boomtown Festival.