DETERMINED to beat the recession in agriculture and to provide a living for his young family, farmer John Simpson has transformed his upland farm into a haven for tourists and conservationists - and still retained its role as a traditional North Yorkshire farm.

The opening of a farm trail specially designed for partially- sighted and disabled people by the chief executive of the North York Moors National Park Authority, Andy Wilson, at Keasbeck Hill farm, Harwood Dale, Scarborough, is the latest venture at one of the most successful farm diversification schemes in the county.

John has tackled the crisis in agriculture head-on in an ambitious on-going diversification project he started long before the current plight in farming took a tight grip, nine years ago.

Today Keasbeck Hill farm in picturesque Harwood Dale, seven miles from Scarborough, is hailed as a classic example of diversification.

John - he is the fourth generation of his family to farm Keasbeck Hill - and his wife, Lynda, have built up the tourist side of the 200-acre farm to such an extent that it now accounts for about 80 per cent of its turnover.

Redundant farm buildings have been converted into The Grainary, a 15-unit complex of holiday accommodation, and a smart tea room.

Surrounded by spectacular views in the national park, the farm already boasts six wildlife trails alongside a lake, woodland, ponds and traditional meadows.

With the aid of grants and support from the European Union, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, National Park Authority, Yorkshire Tourist Board, Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group, Forestry Authority, and the Countryside Agency, the tourism project has been expanded annually and has a wealth of farm animals and water fowls for tourists to enjoy as part of the Simpsons' educational initiative at the farm.

The creation of the sensory trail, with the help of the Disablement Action Group, enables a wider section of the public to enjoy the farm, says John. "Our aim has been to combine farming with tourism and conservation".

He has also produced a special tape recording which tourists use on the trail.

Conservation groups and bird watchers now include Keasbeck Hill Farm and The Grainary on their itinaries because of the trails and wildlife habitats.

Another new feature is the establishing of an avenue of small trees to mark the Millennium. The public pay £5 for a broadleafed specimen which is planted with a personal message around each one - and the local village hall appeal fund also benefits from part of the proceeds.

The farm itself has 600 Suffolk sheep, mules and gimmers, together with a 60-strong herd of bullocks and large hay and haylage production of 12,000 bales annually.

"We realised we had to diversify if the fifth generation of our family was to inherit a good concern'' said John, who adds that his four children are already showing an interest in being involved in the business.

He and Lynda have developed a whole farm conservation plan which has involved entering into various agreements with a range of organisations. The walks include one which passes through a wetland area - the home of the rare royal fern, the only known example in the National Park.

New trees have been planted through the Forestry Authority's farm woodland scheme and hedgerows have been improved under the stewardship incentive scheme, while the farm's 6,000 metres of drystone walls are gradually being improved with the help of National Park Authority and MAFF assistance.

Harwood Dale was a dense forest in the Mesolithic Age while the Neolithic period - 3000 BC - brought an economy of stock rearing and grain cultivation to the area.

Now meadows on the farm are supporting a wide range of wildflower and grass species after being sown with special seed under the Countryside Stewardship Scheme.

"Establishing the tourist and conservation part of the farm business has been very hard work but it is reaping rewards which will hopefully benefit our children", said John.

PICTURE: DISABLED TRAIL: John Simpson and his son try out the trail on John's farm for partially-sighted and disabled people.