Woodland Valley

Cornish Mutual Insurance Inspector Paul Hawkins has been able to watch Woodland Valley develop from the beginning; "Paul was right in at the start of all this - he has watched it grow and has a good understanding of our needs" says Chris Jones, who runs Woodland Valley with his wife Janet.

The family have been farming at Woodland Valley since 1960. With the advent of the Eden Project in 2001 they identified a need for accommodation for visiting school parties.

The surrounding woodland, wildlife and central Cornish position made Woodland Valley an ideal venue; "We always felt there was something we should be doing here" Chris explains, "Our old stone buildings were no longer suitable for modern farming so we saw an opportunity to convert them for residential accommodation".

The conversion of three stone agricultural buildings began in 2005 with the first school group arriving in 2007. The calm, peaceful surroundings of the farm have made the site a haven for a wide range of business and domestic activities including teambuilding courses, seminars and wedding receptions. The business now provides accommodation, function and educational facilities, drawing visitors from Japan to Scotland.

These developments have created a need to manage on farm hazards to minimise risk, something Cornish Mutual have been able to advise on during onsite visits; "It is imperative that visiting schools have the correct level of supervision for the children they bring, that the correct insurances are in place and that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities" Chris explains.

Farming, ecology and sustainability are core to Chris Jones' developments, and are included in educational courses offered to visiting school children. "The environmental aspect is fundamental to everything here. In addition to more curricular based work, we offer our own in-house courses on farming, conservation and sustainability and are keen to teach the interaction and relationships between these".

The principles of sustainability are mirrored through the now fully organic 170 acre farm which provides meat and vegetables for those staying on site, with the produce also on offer in two local farmers markets. "The more you can do in farming to reduce food miles and become more directly involved with your customer the better" Chris explains.

Cornish Mutual provides Woodland Valley with commercial, farm, home and motor insurance cover. "We have been really impressed with the local nature of the company. If we need to speak to Paul he is accessible - if he can't come out that day, he will come out and visit as soon as he can."

Local Insurance Inspector Paul Hawkins says, "It's great to see Members' businesses growing and succeeding. Chris and Janet have done just that and by living and working locally I have been able to understand their developing insurance needs and offer the cover they really require".

To find out more about Woodland Valley visit www.woodlandvalley.co.uk or call 01726 884127 for more information.