A FARMER has secured over £70,000 in funding from specialist commercial lender Paragon, enabling the continued support of stewardship schemes across the Lake District.

Croft House Farm, in Buttermere, provides fencing, groundworks, baling, mowing and all other aspects of grassland work requiring large machinery across nearly 1500 acres in Cumbria, including National Trust common land.

The latest funding will be used to buy a new Case Puma tractor, allowing the farm, run by Edward Beard, to further develop its agricultural business, as well as its livestock farming activities, consisting of over 800 lambing ewes and 65 suckler cows.

Edward said: "When I first started out I had just an L reg tractor, a bale wrapper and a mini digger. With the help of Ian and Paragon, I have grown that to six tractors, two diggers, two balers and three wrappers."

He continued: "We have grown the agricultural contracting side of the business significantly in recent years, and help maintain land across the Lake District so that people can enjoy the beautiful scenery and fantastic walks."

Ian Smith, business development manager at Paragon, said: "I have worked with Edward at Croft House for many years, and it's fantastic to know that we are supporting a business that has such an impact on the local area.

"Understanding the needs of Ed and his businesses, as well as the machinery he invests in, enables us to make a real difference and build a strong relationship."

Over the years, Paragon has provided over £200,000 to Croft House Farm to fund a range of equipment, including a pickup, digger, grassland machinery and tractors, facilitating the work done by Croft House Farm to support the surrounding areas.

Alongside Croft House farm also sits Croft House Farm Café, an award-winning café that is open 365 days a year.