Any farmer wishing to understand more about the income potential of hosting country sports should attend one of the special events being held this month by Business Link's Rural team, in partnership with the Country Sports South West project.

In a special initiative to help farms create attractive new income streams, the free events will introduce delegates in Somerset, Devon and Cornwall to all the issues and opportunities involved.

According to David Hynd, who leads Business Link's Rural team: "These really are hands-on events, that include a farm walk by an experienced shoot owner to highlight all the factors that need to be considered, from habitat management to shoot creation."

The events are free to any active farm business in the three counties. In Cornwall, the event is being held at Kingswood Farm at Cardinham, near Bodmin, on May 10 and, for Somerset and Devon farmers, a similar event is being held on May 11 at Neroche Hall in Bickenhall, near Taunton. Registration for both events is at 10am and lunch will be provided.

The line-up of presentations to take place before the farm walk will include details on the RDPE-funded support available through the Business Link Rural team and the Country Sports project. The British Association for Shooting and Conservation will also explain the demand for different types of shooting, the costs involved and likely income generated.

Then land agents Smiths Gore will outline how to assess land for shooting and acquire sporting leases, before explaining the benefits of environmental stewardship and the potential to increase shooting rents. Experienced shoot owners Colin Dyer (at the Cornwall event) and Brian Turley (Devon and Somerset) will host the farm walks.

The Country Sports South West project aims to help and advise rural businesses offering country sporting activities with the marketing and delivery of a quality tourism product. According to Annette Cole, its senior manager: "Many South West rural businesses are looking for advice about how to diversify into the country sports sector and add value to their businesses. Following the event, our team will work with the individual businesses to help them drive their new diversification projects forward."

To book a place contact 0845 600 9966.