SINCE purchasing the land and its 400-year-old barn , Rick , who is an engineer by trade , has been on a journey of discovery , developing the farm and farm buildings to accommodate six top pedigree alpacas , ready for breeding . This has included the creation of an advanced , fully-functioning barn , as well as relevant feeding sheds and other essential shelters , which have all been constructed using lightweight roofing systems from Onduline Building Products .

Rick said : “ Initially , I knew very little about alpaca breeding , but saw it as a low volume high value approach to farming here , and thought it would also offer a viable diversification of the land usage .’’

The decision was , however , not without its notable challenges , as Rick had to develop suitable outbuildings that would pass local requirements , which were listed during consultations with the Lake District National Park planning committee .

Rick fabricated his own moveable feed stores and shelters , which he

designed to suit the farm ’ s criteria of durability and functionality , as well as fulfilling its aesthetic requirement , with the ONDULINE CLASSIC sheeting having a traditional look that echoed the farm ’ s historic rural charm .

The ONDULINE CLASSIC roofing system is also highly resistant to the strongest winds , contributing to the need for the structures to withstand extreme weather conditions . With advanced thermal performance and acoustic comfort inside the building , it ’ s both an animal and eco-friendly material .

Rick said : ‘’ Onduline was the first and only roofing system I used here , mainly because after extensive research it really stood out from the crowd .

‘’ It offers a wide range of clear and easy to use products , which luckily for me allowed me to complete the various installation processes quickly and alone .’’

Rick then used ONDUCLAIR PC polycarbonate sheeting , for the rooflights , which complete the shelters and feeding shed , a transparent roofing option that offers outstanding light transmission to any type of agricultural

Alpaca Shed protected by ONDULINE CLASSIC

building , and features a technology that reduces condensation in enclosed spaces .

In this case , this particular product was selected because of its notable impact and UV resistant qualities , and will be continually used throughout South Barn ’ s expansion , with the next project being the completion of a larger 14m x 8m barn , which is currently under construction .

Providing space for more alpacas , following Rick ’ s anticipation of six cria ( baby alpaca ’ s ) in Summer 2021 , the barn is being built with locally sourced timber and completed using Onduline ’ s Classic sheeting .

And as South Barn continues to develop , Rick concluded : ‘’ Onduline is a great roofing company with products that are far easier to use than steel , something which also helped us to plan

For more information on Onduline ’ s lightweight , ecofriendly and durable roofing solutions please visit www . onduline . co . uk .

for the development of additional farm buildings .

‘’ After we were able to obtain full planning for more movable structures , it was a no-brainer that Onduline sheeting would be used because it is so lightweight , so they can be easily repositioned or re-purposed if necessary .’’

Rick was also able to put any spare sheeting to good use , building a chicken shed , which houses 20 chickens to accompany the alpacas .