Five Vale of Glamorgan landowners are preparing to welcome more than 4,000 campers to their new trial campsites this summer, following their official launch.

Funded by Creative Rural Communities, the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s rural regeneration initiative, the six new campsites collectively known as The Perfect Pitch: Coastal Camping, are part of a trial to help local landowners to diversify their business while meeting the demand for camping in the area.

The six new temporary campsites each have their own unique selling point which include pick your own picnic spots, close proximity to the new Wales Coast Path and open spaces for family fun and games.

Following its Pride in our Farming Families scheme, which aimed to encourage farm diversification, Creative Rural Communities found that a number of farmers were interested in opening campsites in the area.

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Creative Rural Communities launched its Coastal Camping pilot scheme as part of the Pride in the Vale project at the end of 2011, offering landowners assistance with planning, funding, licensing and practical requirements needed to set up trial campsites.

As a result, six suitable locations were identified to develop temporary campsites which have the long term possibility of acquiring full planning permission should the trial be a success.

Glyn George is co-owner of the Heritage Coast Campsite with his wife Philippa. He said: "In these difficult economic times the Perfect Pitch is going to have a positive impact on struggling rural communities, creating employment opportunities and attracting visitor spend in the area.

"With the staycation set to be even bigger this year the support from Creative Rural Communities has really given us a kick start to set up a campsite for families and couples in Monknash. From licensing, planning, and health and safety to marketing and grading, we’ve also been given some expert advice through the initiative so we’re ready and rearing to go. We can’t wait to welcome our first campers this summer!"

Alun Davies, Deputy Minister for European Programmes, who officially launched the new campsites, said: "It’s great to see how this project is using Welsh Government Rural Development Plan funding creatively to provide alternative income for farm businesses and landowners, as well as providing huge benefit for the wider rural community.

"I wish the trial every success, and hope it will serve as a good example for others to see how to take advantage of opportunities available to them."

(CD)