Aims & Objectives

It was the intention of Rod Smith and his family to create a visitor center which would not only be a beautiful place to visit, have a coffee and take in the view on a trip to Lindisfarne, but to be a place to educate and inspire.

The link between farming and the food we eat has been one which has been weakened through global imports which effectively have all but eliminated the seasonality of food and its availability.

The Barn at Beal is an opportunity to show the seasonal aspect of not only how food is produced, but also what we produce here at Beal.

Also, farming probably more than any other industry, is one which is constantly adapting and evolving through economic and customer pressures. The story of the agricultural change in this one Northumbrian farm is surprisingly diverse &  we hope you’ll take something away from your visit.

Farmers are increasingly becoming the custodians of our natural places, which are far more than places of food production. They are the areas which provide the wildlife and open space which so enrich our lives through leisure time pursuits and activities.

And last but by no means least, The Barn at Beal is an economic opportunity. Not only for the farmer who’s vision it was, but for the local producers providing the center with the food, the staff who are serving it to you and even the copywriter typing this out!