A DROITWICH firm says they have spotted a gap in the market as farms looking to diversify after Brexit are becoming campsites for staycationers.

Kim Walton, who owns Trek Campers with her husband, said farms have started to embrace becoming temporary holiday destinations, and the Hampton Lovett-based firm is now hiring out campervans to them.

Mrs Walton said: “With the loss of EU subsidies, farmers now have to think how to run a profitable business.

"Pop up campsites are a quick and cheap form of diversification a farmer can try and there is certainly demand with many of our campervan customers reporting that campsites were selling out during peak season.

"More people than ever are enjoying the benefits of holidaying at home – simplicity, freedom of the road and getting off the beaten track to discover the joys of our rural communities who are meeting their need by providing temporary sites for holidaymakers and offer a taste of the countryside, local knowledge and recommendations.

"I'm sure there would be farms in Worcestershire interested in this.

"A lot of farmers are very capable and business-savvy, there are others who will be a little unsure and need a bit guidance, which is where we are helping them out."

Extended planning rules designed to boost the British travel industry affected by the pandemic are enabling temporary campsites to open for 56 days, instead of the previous 28, giving more opportunity for farms to explore the opportunity.

Farms need no planning permission to set up, just to meet criteria set by Freedom Camping Club that identifies safe and suitable locations for campsites and awards sites exemption certificates.

Kathryn Cross, owner of Walnut Tree Meadow in Norfolk that is working with the firm said: "After building a shower unit and washing up sinks we opened the following summer.

"We’re now in our third season and lots of visitors are repeat bookings.

"It’s a good investment if you don’t mind sharing your farm with others. There is some work to do such as cleaning, emptying bins and mowing grass but once you’re up and running the costs are minimal."