We’re sad to learn that, despite the best attempts of many and with questions asked by the EFRA select committee remaining unanswered, Askham Bryan College has announced that the disposal of Newton Rigg’s assets will begin next week. The College’s farms at Sewborwens and Low Beckside will go on the market on 4th May and we understand that staff will receive their final notices on 1st May. As one of several tenants on the Campus, we are waiting to be served notice on our Office which, for now, remains at Newton Rigg. We are seeking alternative premises in the Penrith area.
We would like to give thanks and great praise to the Newton Rigg teaching staff who stayed on to ensure their students received the best teaching possible in such difficult circumstances. It now appears that all hope of saving the 129 year old campus is lost which is a bitter blow for the farming communities of Cumbria and beyond. We are currently engaging with a number of organisations who have committed to ensuring that land- based learning can continue in Cumbria. Details of Myerscough College’s Cumbrian Land-Based education offer for September 2021 onwards is at https://www.thefarmernetwork.co.uk/land-based-learning-in-cumbria-announcement/.