Family is ‘devastated’ as National Trust ends tenancy for Fishwick Farms

Will farming continue at Fishwick Farms?

‘It’s absolutely heartbreaking’: The National Trust has issued a family with a notice to quit on the porch of their home of 23 years. The North West Mail reports:

Fishwick Farms' business tenancy at Bank House Farm ended on August 31 after more than two decades on the site in Silverdale.

The farm is owned by the National Trust who made the decision to end the tenancy and told farmers Martin Fishwick and his wife Arlene to move out.

Martin said: ‘I’m really disappointed with how it’s all ended and I just want to draw a line under it.

‘We have embraced the opportunity we were given to farm and improve some of the most important sites in an area we love whilst bringing up our family.

‘Honestly, it’s absolutely heartbreaking – my heart and soul is Silverdale. As a family we are all devastated.’

The National Trust told the family of their plans for the Silverdale farm in April, ending the tenancy by issuing a notice to quit on the porch of the farm the next morning.

A spokesperson for the National Trust said: ‘The tenancy agreement at Bank House Farm came to an end in August 2025, and we acknowledge the contribution made by the tenant over the years which has led to the successful growth of their farm businesses across Cumbria.

‘Following the departure of the tenant, we’ll be taking time to develop our future plans for the farm. The condition of the farm and its habitat is our priority, and we are talking to a number of local graziers to ensure sufficient grazing and management across the farm in the interim. We expect to confirm the appointment of local graziers to work with us in the coming weeks.’

The family announced the end of their tenancy on their Facebook page, saying they would now be focussing on their farming business in the Cartmel Valley while maintaining their roots in Silverdale with Arlene continuing to work at Bleasdale School and their son volunteering as a retained fireman.