Innovative Approach to Farming Income
In a unique and creative move, a family of farmers has transformed their land into a cemetery, offering a new source of income in an unconventional way. The Castle View Farm, located in Bottesford, Leicestershire, has turned what was once an unproductive 10-acre spring barley field into a modern burial ground. This innovative approach has not only provided the family with a steady income but also offered a meaningful service to the local community.
The 136-hectare farm is managed by James and Claire Goodson, who have expanded their operations beyond traditional farming. Their property includes livery stables, a lake for fishing, and solar panels, showcasing their commitment to diversification. However, the recent changes in tax policies have forced many farmers to explore alternative revenue streams.
Claire Goodson, 54, shared her insights on the challenges faced by the farming community. She mentioned that many farmers are now required to 'diversify' due to the new inheritance tax policy introduced by Rachel Reeves. This policy, outlined in the October budget, will require farmers to pay inheritance tax on agricultural property and land worth more than £1 million at a rate of 20 percent starting from April 2026. Campaigners warn that this decision could impact almost all family farms, prompting many to seek alternative sources of income such as selling produce or renting out space.
For the Goodson family, the idea of converting their land into a cemetery came from their daughter Emily, a university student at the time. The heavy clay soil made the field unsuitable for growing crops, leading them to consider other uses. After obtaining planning permission in 2021, they established their modern burial ground three years ago, before the Autumn Budget announcement.
The cemetery is designed to accommodate up to 7,500 burial plots, with options ranging from £500 for an ashes plot to £1,400 for a full burial. While traditional gravestones are not available, wooden plaques placed at ground level ensure the area is marked. Claire described the timing as perfect, noting that the field offers an easier way to generate income while providing a beautiful place for people to remember their loved ones.
The couple, who also have a son named James, hope that the burial site will be used by generations of families in their community. Claire added that more people are becoming open to discussing death, and she finds the idea of a nice, accessible place for visits to be a positive alternative to churchyards or crematoriums.
With up to 50 plots set to be laid, several locals have praised the idea, even expressing a desire to be buried there themselves. The family also contributes to local wildlife and biodiversity by planting over 93 trees, aiming to create bat boxes and owl boxes in the future. They currently house hedgehog boxes and a family of nine hares.
Recent reports indicate that over 40 Labour MPs are considering ways to amend the looming changes to agricultural and business inheritance tax relief. The government claims that the measures, referred to as the 'family farm tax,' will only affect the wealthiest quarter of landowners. However, the National Farmers' Union (NFU) and others argue that the impact will be much broader.
Critics believe that the move could force family-run farms with tight margins to sell up in order to pay death duties. There have been months of demonstrations by farmers, including tractor protests in Westminster, in response to the Chancellor's tax changes.
A 'rural growth group' of Labour MPs is proposing raising the £1 million cut-off point for estates losing their tax reliefs. They suggest that estates receive full tax relief on the value of agricultural properties up to £10 million, 50 percent up to £20 million, and none thereafter. Sam Rushworth, Labour MP for Bishop Auckland, who is part of the group, stated that they would consider amendments to the Bill. He emphasized his support for the Government while hoping to see different recommendations in the legislation.