AN AMBITIOUS scheme to help rural businesses achieve sustainable development has taken another step with the renovation of an old farmhouse as a base for the project.

Project Carrot is an initiative at Holme Lacy College, near Hereford, which aims to help and inspire people in the land use sector to become engaged in the sustainable development process.

It is being driven by a partnership between the Bulmer Foundation, the Pershore Group of Colleges and Advantage West Midlands.

The first phase has been completed with the renovation of Wilsley House, at Pound Farm, on the Holme Lacy campus, which had fallen into disrepair.

The building now becomes the home of Project Carrot and is also available for hire and use by partner organisations.

Future plans include the refurbishment of derelict farm buildings to provide a Carrot Enterprise Zone for rural land-based businesses.

For more information contact Angela Downing on 01432 345472.