The Youth Hostel Association has severed ties with some of its smallest affiliates, and as of the end of February the organisation will no longer be supporting camping barns in England and Wales.

Up to now the organisation had provided marketing and booking services for these small businesses, but that will now draw to a close.

Last year the YHA decided they could no longer support the smallest businesses in the YHA network with their affiliate scheme, and camping barns and bunkhouse owners were informed that their small operations would miss out.

Since the announcement Independent Hostels UK, the UK's largest network of independently owned hostels, bunkhouses and camping barns, have been fielding calls from worried business owners.

Sam Dalley, IHUK network owner and Independent Hostel Guide editor, said: "We have quickly put together a dedicated page for ex-YHA camping barns on our website.

“We are providing extra marketing for these small businesses and enabling loyal users of the camping barns to find them once their presence has been removed from the YHA website.”

Providing good quality, affordable accommodation for outdoor enthusiasts has become an important source of income for many farmers and other landowners keen to diversify their income away from farming only.

Camping barns can range from simple ''stone tents' where visitors bring their own camping gear to plusher converted barns with bunk beds, hot showers and self-catering kitchens.

For business owners they bring in a steady but not huge income.

In recent years the YHA has changed its business model to concentrate on large hostels in popular areas providing accommodation for groups rather than the traditional individual traveller.

The list of Ex-YHA camping barns in the Independent Hostel Guide can be found at independenthostels.co.uk/ex-yha-camping-barns