A FARMER and military veteran has applied for permission to operate a seasonal campsite on his land at Birks Farm, near Sedbergh.

Brian Capstick, who farms cattle and sheep at the 35-acre estate, has applied to the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority to use some of his fields to house 30 spaces for tent pitches, with toilet facilities,

It would operate between April 1 and August 29 'to incorporate the four bank holidays'.

Mr Capstick is well-known for his community and charity work, particularly with vulnerable armed forces veterans, as well as his environmentally sustainable farming model.

"This initiative will be an important funding stream in the struggle to cope with the new rules and grant funding (or lack of it) following Brexit," said the application.

Each pitch would have a mains water supply, a waste recycling point, a fire pit for each pitch, and a built-in sink for washing dishes.

The application states: "The use of disposable barbecues will be banned to avoid fires in the rubbish points."

The application explains the concept of the unique Rawthey Project, based at Birks Farm, which runs in conjunction with his farming activities.

It says: "Brian set up the Rawthey Project in 2014 as a not-for-profit enterprise to support disadvantaged and vulnerable former armed forces veterans.

READ MORE: Pub to close on Christmas Eve to welcome veterans and their families

"This is achieved through the salutary impact of changing a person's social environment into the rural Yorkshire Dales from some of the most deprived urban areas of the country.

"The Project's beneficiaries work on the farm for about six weeks before transiting to independent living and sustainable employment back in their hometown.

"The Project provides the veterans with farm activities where they have exposure to dedicated role models, farmers, and local tradesmen.

"This hybrid social care/farming model is supported by independent private clinical psychologists.

"They assist the Project in helping to restore individuals who may be battling homelessness, alcoholism, and addiction.”

The application also states: "He now wishes to supplement these activities with tented camping offering visitors the experience of feeding calves and piglets on the farm.

"This is based on the success of 'pop-up' camping at Birks Farm in 2021 which showed that most visitors were fascinated to learn about upland farming and food production."