Mary-Jane Lawrie talks to Richard and Fiona Lamb of Fordhead Farm, Kippen, about how they have diversified their farming business and how they have adapted to the many challenges that starting new ventures has thrown at them. Richard and Fiona Lamb are the definition of ‘give it a go’. From exiting the Metropolitan Police and dipping toes, (and losing part of a finger) in their entry to farming, Fiona and Richard have faced more than their fair share of hurdles. One thing that has always been consistent in their business endeavours, is that if they don’t give it a try, they’ll never know what could happen. From camping sites, to woodlands, grass trials, firewood, farm accommodation, tea growing, Gin production, Farm shop and café, insect farming, and hemp production, the Lambs have been there, done it and learned lessons along the way.  

Related FAS Resources

Engaging with Consumers - Part 1 | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)

Engaging With Consumers - Part 2 | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)

Adding Value | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)

Grant Support For Croft Woodland Creation: A Comparison | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)

Other Related Resources

The Woodhouse Kippen 

Ginti- The Scottish Tea Gin (gintigin.co.uk) 

Forth Valley Leader :: Case Study "Tea Plantation at Fordhead Farm" (fvl.org.uk) 

Matthew Lamb of Fordhead Farm tells us a bit about their venture into growing tea in the Forth Valley! | By Forth Valley & Lomond CLLD | Facebook 

From holiday lets, to gin, to tea and more - diversification paying for Stirlingshire family farm - Insights - Farmers Guardian (fginsight.com)