With a far more sturdy structure than the traditional polytunnel, these are perfect for more extreme climates

For small farms, smallholders and crofters to survive in the ever-changing agricultural and economic climate, it is essential that tools for diversification become more readily available.

Success has already been seen in the Outer Hebrides through the successful grant and installation of polycrubs to better produce fruits and vegetables in a landscape and climate that is typically unsuitable for this kind of production.

A polycrub, simply put, is a significantly more robust version of a polytunnel. They are perfect for growing a range of fruits and vegetables throughout the year that are typically subject to seasonal limitations or normally not suitable to more extreme climates in the north of Scotland.

What makes a polycrub superior to a polytunnel, however, is that it is made of tougher materials and is constructed in a way that makes it more suitable to higher winds and harsher weather. They are also designed to have a considerably longer lifespan than a polytunnel.

The framework is made of recycled plastic tubing which has been reinforced and then secured to wooden posts that are firmly anchored in concrete for a strong and stable fixing on site. The cladding consists of twin plastic shatterproof polycarbonate sheeting that can withstand heavy impacts. This makes them ideal for the windy weather.

The fundamental basis of a polycrub is to be a more robust version of a polytunnel with the production of fruits and vegetables being the goal. However, since the recent boom in interest, a whole series of potential innovations has been researched.

The array of products with added shelf life, such as jams, pickles, preserves or even cosmetics has been investigated. Furthermore, the opportunity to utilise these units for animal production purposes has been considered, with turkey production a prime example.

Polycrub units are quite expensive, at around £5,000, exclusive of erection cost, for a 4m x 12m unit. Recently, however, the units have become eligible under SRDP schemes such as the Crofting Agricultural Grant Scheme for crofters, Small Farms Grant Scheme and the New Entrants funding. There is also scope for business development under LEADER funding.

With growing interest and success rates, it may be expected that other funding avenues will become available.

For more information on the purchase of a polycrub unit, visit www.nortenergy.co.uk.

The polycrub units, although quite expensive, have become eligible under SRDP grant schemes.

• New woodland creation • Forestry & groundworks contracting • Digital mapping jamie.reith@scottishwoodlands.co.uk07768 546275 www.scottishwoodlands.co.uk