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A little dogged determination puts farm on the right track for success
The call of the wild is helping secure the future of a remote farm on the North York Moors.
Yorkshire farming already has a healthy history of tourism diversification though most businesses have their sights set on the summer holiday trade rather than the lean winter months.
But the Pullen family, of Meeting House Farm, Staintondale, near Scarborough, are aiming to woo tourists between September to May with their new husky trekking business, which aims to offer visitors and corporate clients white-knuckle thrills with a team of 16 dogs.
Snow dog sledding dates back to the heyday of Polar exploration which led to the dogs being exported for use in other remote places, particularly Alaska during the Gold Rush.
Now such remote places can be reached by snowmobile or airplane, and dogs are even banned from the Antarctic because of fears they could carry parasites or bacteria that would harm the fragile ecosystem. But husky trekking lives on as a sport.
For years the Pullen family income has depended on farming 2,500 pigs which will still be going on as a separate business. But in the long run they aim to get out of the pork industry because the accommodation for the animals is so expensive to maintain.
Taking the business in a new direction is the Siberian Scooter, a two-wheel vehicle which can carry customers along a training track or on paths further afield.
The business is up and running as of this week.
Debbie Pullen, 38, who runs the business with her husband Mick, 55, and his son Ben, 30, said they aimed to cater for whatever people wanted from the service, from corporate days out to time trials for thrill seekers.
She added: "But mainly it is the experience. It is so thrilling and an adrenaline boost. The track has stunning views – Flamborough Lighthouse one way, Whitby the other. It is very eco friendly which was another attraction. We leave paw prints, not carbon footprints."
But it was Mr Pullen's son who saw the idea could have a future as an eco-friendly business.
Mrs Pullen explained: "I had a scooter and Ben was taking my dogs all over the place. Then he suggested doing it commercially. So Mick began cultivating the track in a well-drained field until it was as smooth as bowling green."
Whether you prefer your snow dogs Alaskan or Siberian, the farm has both.
Although top speeds are unlikely to exceed 20mph there will be no corners cut on safety and all riders will be equipped with helmets and pads.
Speed varies according to dog power. Two dogs are recommended for beginners while more experienced trekkers can enjoy the speed of four or even six – 20mph – though rides of 12 to 15mph will be the norm for novices.
The diversification could also bring other benefits which are not to be sniffed at; at present the pig unit creates a million gallons of slurry which has to be spread on the land.
For more details ring 01723 870521 or visit www.peskyhusky.co.uk
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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