BRITAIN'S 'new normal' could see a lot more people staying within its borders for their holidays, raising the prospect of a 'camping and glamping' boom on farms in scenic areas.

Farmers and landowners considering getting involved in the 'staycation' tourist phenomenon are being invited to tune in to an evening webinar on the challenges and opportunities facing glamping businesses, being held tomorrow (Wednesday October 21), by Canopy, the new national body supporting the camping and glamping industry, and rural insurer NFU Mutual.

Free for anyone across the UK to join, the online session 'Are you ready for the new normal? Keeping glamping and camping businesses covered during the pandemic' will be led by John Maddy from Canopy. As co-founder of Long Valley Yurts, one of the UK’s largest and longest established glamping companies, John set up Canopy to support the industry and raise standards for quality, safety and service.

Mr Maddy said: “Glamping has revolutionised the holiday market and this year’s demand in staycations has found farmers striving to keep one step ahead of the guidance, while running a safe and sustainable business. The webinar will explore a range of issues facing the industry – from the lack of clarity and guidance around safe operation, to managing safety, new cleaning processes and the associated costs and resources.

“We will also talk about the opportunities that have come out of the pandemic. Pop up pizzas nights and expanded on-site shops, are just some of the new ventures to be tried and tested this year. Many of our members have reported a huge rise in trade, serving new markets and running at 100% occupancy. As a result, we expect to see further investment in the sector next year.”

By holding the event online, Canopy and NFU Mutual hope to offer a helping hand to newcomers working their way into the industry as well as existing providers trying to navigate the new normal.

An NFU Mutual survey at the end of 2019 found almost half of UK farmers (48%) were planning to set up or expand diversification schemes – a figure which doubled from the year before.

Farm Specialist at NFU Mutual, Chris Walsh, said: “Many farms are adapting their diversification activities to increase their business resilience under Covid-19. It has never been more important to keep safety and a consistent set of standards at the forefront of your business, and we welcome the role of Canopy to help guide the way.”

To register free of charge for the event, visit https://www.nfumutual.co.uk/glamping or for more information on diversification and to see NFU Mutual’s Diversification Report visit https://www.nfumutual.co.uk/diversification