A century-old family farm at Pipehill has opened a new secure dog exercise field, supported by funding from Lichfield District Council's Rural Business Fund Programme.
Pipehill Farm received £6,189 through the UK Shared Prosperity Rural Business Fund 2025/26 to help diversify its rural business and create a safe space for local dog owners to exercise their pets off-lead.
What the facility offers
The new dog field is located on Lichfield Road at Pipehill and includes six-foot-high dog fencing, a secure vehicle access gate, signage and amenities. The design allows visitors to drive into the field and close the entrance securely before letting their dogs out.
Further planting is planned across the site to support biodiversity and create natural features around the field.
Why the farm diversified
The farm sits close to both established communities and new housing, giving the family an opportunity to diversify while providing a new facility for local dog owners.
Andrew Hulme from Pipehill Farm said: "We are a small family farm and have found the current volatility that traditional farming is facing has meant that to remain viable we have needed to find other revenue streams to secure the future of our farm. Having the opportunity to receive financial help via the UK Shared Prosperity Rural Business Fund has allowed us to convert a diversification idea into reality."
Councillor Janice Silvester-Hall, Lichfield District Council's Cabinet Member for Visitor Economy, Ecology & Climate Change, said: "Our rural businesses are a hugely important part of Lichfield District, and we're really pleased to have been able to support Pipehill Farm to bring this idea to life. This is exactly the kind of project this funding is designed to support – helping a long-standing rural business diversify, invest in its future and create something that also benefits the surrounding community."
Opening and booking
The Pipehill Dog Field is now open. Further information and booking details are available through the Pipehill Dog Field website.
