Land & Business - November 2021

November 2021 | £4.50

Levelling up

The magazine for CLA members

Rural powerhouse Guest editor Mark Tufnell highlights his priorities as he becomes CLA President, including the future of agriculture, supporting rural businesses, climate change and the environment

23 HERITAGE REFORM

41 BLENDED FINANCE

44 PAW PARKS

The progress so far and listed building consent

An innovative woodland project at Blenheim Estate

Diversifying into dog walking parks

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DO YOU OWN LAND WITH DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL? FOR A FREE INITIAL APPRAISAL PLEASE CONTACT US Hawkspur acts for landowners with potential development land – whether selling it with planning or land that may take up to 20 years to be developed.

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Mr P H (Hawkspur ( found a developer, negotiated the option and then negotiated a sale to a national housebuilder for 90 houses):-

“

I write this testimonial in recognition of the excellent work that Nick Harper and his company, Hawkspur, recently performed for my brother and me. Over a five year period he critically helped us to select a suitable national builder for an option agreement and then worked with them to achieve planning permission and a land sale on suitable terms. At all times, Nick was energetic, knowledgeable and discreet and played a critical role in the whole process. I commend him for similar ventures.

”

“

Nick Harper managed to guide us through the initial selection of a development promoter, the promotion agreement, the ongoing monitoring of the planning application and process, which ultimately led to the successful marketing and a profitable sale to our preferred housing developer. Nick, is now helping us through the various stages of an additional option agreement with the same developer which has all the signs of being equally successful.

Kerry Addison ddi (Thompson (h Smith S i h& Puxon – solicitors)

” “

I have collaborated with Nick over several years on various projects of differing values and complexities. Nick has always been patient, helpful and approachable.

On occasions where the commercial and legal complexities have conflicted, Nick has always worked with me to find a realistic and practical solution to ensure that the legal position is protected but the commercial aims are achieved.

”

Please contact Nick if you own land or buildings with development potential, have been approached by a developer, would like guidance on what your property is worth with planning or want to know if your council has a five year housing land supply.

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CONTENTS

Contents November 2021

News and opinion 7

WELCOME President’s briefing

9

GUEST EDITOR Incoming CLA President Mark Tufnell guest edits five articles from selected contributors

10

NEWS

14

LETTERS

17

LOBBYING The CLA has several policy suggestions for the new Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, led by Michael Gove

Advice 18

ELECTRIFYING THE COUNTRYSIDE While renewable power generation is seen as a way to help reach net zero, issues remain around grid capacity and investment

20 RESTORING NATURE Defra’s Landscape Recovery scheme in England will initially focus on threatened native species and rivers & streams 23 HERITAGE REFORM CLA analysis on progress to heritage reform and advice on listed building consent

23

9

35

Guest contributors 27 FARMING POTENTIAL Rebecca Charley at the National Trust looks at the potential of farmer cluster groups 29 AN EVOLVING ESTATE An insight into the diverse businesses at Overbury Enterprises 32 BALANCING FARMING AND LANDSCAPE Cotswolds National Landscape’s Mark Connelly explains how farm diversifications can succeed within an AONB designation 35 ACTING TOGETHER Jenny Phelps MBE explains how a coordinated approach, drawing on local knowledge, could help deliver national priorities 38 SIMPLIFIED TAX Sir Michael Bunbury explores the 19-year history of the CLA’s Rural Business Unit

Features 41

BLENDED FINANCE Forest Canopy Foundation’s innovative woodland project at the Blenheim Estate

44 PAW PARKS How landowners are assigning land to provide dog walkers with a secure location to walk pets

Your CLA 47 CLA INSURANCE What you need to consider to have the right cover for historic buildings 49 LONDON BRANCH The latest meeting heard about the diverse history of London’s public open spaces 51

CLA CHARITABLE TRUST How two charities are using grants to fund a new nature area and farm workshops

53 CLA HEALTHCARE More about Men’s Health Awareness Month 54 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE Inspiration for gifts this festive season 56 MEMBER OFFER Toyota

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CONTENTS

Editorial A word from the Editor

In your area 58 NEWS ACROSS ENGLAND AND WALES What’s happening where you are

The last word 82 COUNTRY VIEW Brian Martin outlines a growing threat to farm crops

82 Compostable magazine wrap

The CLA has moved away from polythene wrapping to a more environmentally friendly alternative and now Land & Business is delivered in a 100% compostable wrapper made out of potato starch. You can dispose of your wrapper by: Adding to a well-maintained garden compost heap Placing it in your garden waste bin Using it to line your food waste caddy

Membership queries

If you have a query relating to your membership of the CLA please contact your local o ce. All contact details can be found online at cla.org.uk

The rural potential

T

he CLA is an organisation that covers many different facets of rural life and business, providing advice and expertise to unpick legislation and how it affects members, analysing the latest developments from government and helping to ensure that rural businesses are successful.

Looking ahead, we will continue to champion, protect and promote the potential of the rural economy by helping rural businesses thrive, creating prosperity and ensuring we can contribute towards a net zero economy. This underpins all that we do and forms the core principles of our Rural Powerhouse campaign.

Ahead of his CLA presidency later this month, Mark Tufnell has commissioned articles from guest contributors that reflect the challenges and developments

Editor

Sub editor

Produced by

Picture researcher

Jasmin McDermott | 020 7460 7979 jasmin.mcdermott@cla.org.uk

The CLA is the premier organisation safeguarding the interests of those responsible for land, property and business throughout rural England and Wales. All enquiries regarding membership or CLA matters should be addressed to: 16 Belgrave Square, London, SW1X 8PQ 020 7235 0511 | mail@cla.org.uk cla.org.uk

Redactive Publishing Ltd Level 5, 78 Chamber Street, London E1 8BL 020 7880 6200 redactive.co.uk

Design

Joe McAllister joe.mcallister@redactive.co.uk

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Jessica Marsh jessica.marsh@redactive.co.uk

Production

Rachel Young rachel.young@redactive.co.uk 020 7324 2776 cla@redactive.co.uk

Joanna Marsh joanna.marsh@redactive.co.uk

Jasmin McDermott, Editor, Land & Business

Kate Bennett kate.bennett@redactive.co.uk

Display sales Account Director

ahead and showcase how our members are preparing for the future. These articles discuss the future of agriculture, the potential of farmer cluster groups, how diversification can succeed within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the potential of our Rural Business Unit proposal and insight into one member’s diverse businesses in the Cotswolds.

Elsewhere, we have analysis on heritage reform on page 23, more about an innovative woodland project at Blenheim Estate on page 41 and the growth of secure parks to walk dogs on page 44.

I hope you enjoy the read.

Land & Business is published monthly by Redactive Media Group on behalf of the CLA. Editorial and advertisements are accepted in good faith. Readers are advised that neither the CLA nor the publishers can accept responsibility for statements made in editorial or the advertisements. The editor and the CLA reserve the right to withdraw any editorial or advertisements at any time.

Classified sales

020 7324 2774 cla.class@redactive.co.uk Printed by PCP Cover image Getty Images

cla.org.uk

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cla.org.uk

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WELCOME

President’s

Briefing with Mark Bridgeman

An extraordinary time

T

his is my last piece for Land & Business as I step down as CLA President at the November AGM. It has been a real privilege to be your president, and what an extraordinary time it has been to lead the organisation.

I first got actively involved with the CLA 12 years ago with our North East branch. Growing up, my father used to go off to CLA meetings, but I knew little. My experience and observations of others is that the more people get engaged with the Association, the more they get out of it. Whether it is on a branch committee or a national committee, it is then that you really appreciate all the excellent work that takes place on our behalf.

I have so enjoyed learning from others and visiting all the extraordinary businesses that our members run. It has given me the confidence to start new ventures at home.

My two years as president have had their challenges. It started with the lead-up to the 2019 general elections and the possibility of a Corbyn government. Brexit, and the transition away from the Common Agricultural Policy, has been all-consuming over the last two years. We have worked hard to steer the government in the right direction. The challenge is that our land needs to feed the country while at the same time achieving the government’s legal commitments to reverse the decline in biodiversity and set us on a path to net zero.

If Brexit wasn’t enough, we have also had Covid-19. The whole organisation moved to online working in days, and we have continued to support and serve the membership throughout. Our efforts were recently recognised with an Association Excellence Award for best membership support during Covid-19 (5,000+ members). In many ways, our interaction with ministers, MPs and government

departments has increased as the ease of an effective Zoom meeting became second nature. The pandemic has shown everyone that digital connectivity is as important as an electricity connection for modern living. It has also highlighted the great opportunities there are to run businesses from rural areas.

I spoke at both the Labour and Conservative party conferences last month about opportunities for rural areas and how government can unlock that potential.

Levelling up is not just about those ‘red wall’ seats.

Whether it is connectivity, planning or sustainable farming, there are opportunities to boostt productivity.

I am optimistic and excited about he future what the or our holds for sses. I will businesses. rning home be returning humberland to Northumberland at we to work on new crops that us new are growing, an ambitious stewardship scheme that will lead into Environmental Land Management and expand our self-catering holiday business.

The CLA is in great shape. We have outstanding and dedicated staff, excellent engagement from members, and a great officer team to lead the organisation forward.

Mark Tufnell is ideally placed to take over; he g has a deep understanding of the issues and great judgment, and I wish him the best of luck.

‘I am optimistic and excited about what the future holds for our businesses’

cla.org.uk

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CáîðåĤßÝðáï ëâ ÎÝóâñè Çôåïðåêã ×ïá ëî Æáòáèëìéáêð ÅÎÇ×Æï CLEUDs - What Are They?

Breach of Condition

Ùäáê àáòáèëìéáêð äÝï ðÝçáê ìèÝßá óåðäëñð ìèÝêêåêã ìáîéåïïåëê ÒÒ ðäá ÎëßÝè ÒèÝêêåêã Ãñðäëîåðõ äÝï ðäá ìëóáî ðë áêâëîßá ÝãÝåêïð åð êëîéÝèèõ óåðä ðäá îáíñåîáéáêð ðë ßáÝïá ðäá ëìáîÝðåëê ëî îáéëòá ðäá ïðîñßðñîá åê íñáïðåëê Êëóáòáî óäáîá ðäá ÞîáÝßä äÝï ðÝçáê ìèÝßá âëî Ý êñéÞáî ëâ õáÝîï åð ßÝê Þá áôáéìð âîëé áêâëîßáéáêð

Öäåï ßÝê ßëòáî Ý óåàá òÝîåáðõ ëâ ÝîáÝï âëî áôÝéìèá âÝåèåêã ðë ßëéìèõ óåðä ëìáîÝðåëêÝè ðåéá èåéåðï áôßááàåêã ìáîéåððáà êñéÞáîï ëî ÞîáÝßäåêã Ýê ëßßñìÝêßõ ßëêàåðåëê Öäá ðåéá îáíñåîáà åê ðäá ßÝïá ëâ ÞîáÝßäåêã ßëêàåðåëêï åï õáÝîï

Use of Buildings

à ÅÎÇ×Æ åï åê éëïð ßÝïáï ðäá ïÝéá Ýï ëÞðÝåêåêã ìèÝêêåêã ìáîéåïïåëê åð čèëßçï åêĎ ðäá ñïá Öäáîáâëîá Ý ßáîðåĤßÝðá ßèáÝîèõ äÝï Ýê åéìèåßÝðåëê ëê òÝèñá

à ßáîðåĤßÝðá ßëñèà Þá ïëñãäð åâ Ý ßäÝêãá ëâ ñïá äÝà Þááê ßÝîîåáà ëñð ßëêðåêñëñïèõ âëî õáÝîï óåðäëñð ðäá êáßáïïÝîõ ÒÒ Ý ãëëà áôÝéìèá Þáåêã ðäá ñïá ëâ Ýê ÝãîåßñèðñîÝè Þñåèàåêã âëî êëê ÝãîåßñèðñîÝè ïðëîÝãá ïñßä Ýï âñîêåðñîá Creation of a Dwelling Åëêòáîðåêã Ý Þñåèàåêã åêðë Ý àóáèèåêã åï êëîéÝèèõ ïñÞæáßð ðë Ý õáÝî îñèá Þñð õëñî îåãäðï ÝãÝåêïð áêâëîßáéáêð ßÝê Þá ÝĨáßðáà åâ âëî áôÝéìèá õëñ äÝòá àáèåÞáîÝðáèõ ßëêßáÝèáà õëñî àáòáèëìéáêð

Why Bother?

What do I Need? ÃììèåßÝðåëêï âëî ÅÎÇ×Æï Ýîá æñàãáà ëê âÝßðï êëð ëìåêåëêï õëñ éñïð ìîëòá ëê ðäá ÞÝèÝêßá ëâ ìîëÞÝÞåèåðõ ðäÝð ðäá ÞîáÝßä äÝï ëßßñîîáà ßëêðåêñëñïèõ Çòåàáêßá åï ðäáîáâëîá ßîñßåÝè Ýêà ðåéåêã åï Ýèïë åéìëîðÝêð Ãï ìÝìáîóëîç ßÝê Þá èëïð ëòáî ðåéá ëî çáõ óåðêáïïáï àåïÝììáÝî çááìåêã ãëëà îáßëîàï ßëèèÝðåêã áòåàáêßá Ýîá ßèáÝîèõ äáèìâñè ïäëñèà Ý ßÝïá ìîáïáêð åðïáèâ åê ðäá âñðñîá

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cla.org.uk

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GUEST EDITOR

Guest

Editor with Mark Tufnell

T

he Canadian poet Brian Brett said that “farming is a profession of hope”, and it’s a good thing that this is the case. Landowners and rural businesses have endured so much in recent years that many of us have forgotten what certainty feels like.

The Covid-19 pandemic has now morphed into new crises in the energy market, haulage industry and labour markets – all amid the ever-present backdrop of climate change and biodiversity decline.

It requires a leap of faith to say that better days will come, but it’s a leap I am willing to take. As I take over the CLA presidency, I believe our sector can provide many of the answers to a number of our society’s most profound questions. How can our rural businesses thrive? How can we create prosperity and good jobs? How can we fight back against environmental disaster? How can we best feed an evergrowing population?

This edition of Land & Business looks at some of these questions in detail, and for the next two years I will do everything I can to help us find answers, and to ensure the government and the public support us in doing so.

I am, at heart, a Cotswold farmer – a fact that is reflected in some of the articles I have commissioned in guest editing this month’s magazine. However, in my time working with the CLA, I have travelled the whole of England and Wales,

meeting farmers, landowners and rural business owners, and every time I have done so I have come away inspired.

We are an entrepreneurial, hardworking and socially conscious sector that is brimming with the potential to make a huge difference at a local and national level.

This is the philosophy that underpins our Rural Powerhouse campaign, which is already doing so much to change the way government, politicians and journalists see us. The creation of the new Ministry for Levelling Up under the leadership of former Defra Secretary Michael Gove is a huge opportunity to take our campaign to the next level, and this is an immediate focus for us.

I am, of course, here for each and every one of our members to represent you as best I can. Please keep in touch, come to our events, engage with our surveys and write to us with your thoughts and experiences.

It all helps us to better understand your priorities, allowing us to better advise our members while strengthening our hand with government. We are a membership organisation, and all of us are better off when we work together.

Finally, I must thank our outgoing President Mark Bridgeman for his immense commitment and contribution to this Association and his friendship with me during my time as his deputy. We all owe him a huge debt of gratitude, particularly over this time of constant Zoom meetings, and we wish him and his family the very best for the future.

‘We are an entrepreneurial, hard-working and socially conscious sector that is brimming with the potential to make a huge difference’

cla.org.uk

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NEWS

News round-up The stories that matter to you

Government needs an ambitious plan for the rural economy

T

he CLA has called on the government to demonstrate that it has an ambitious plan for the rural economy in a publication highlighting a number of policies that could address regional inequalities impacting rural communities.

The CLA believes that opportunities to create jobs and prosperity in rural areas are being ‘routinely missed’.

The publication Levelling up: Unleashing the potential of the rural economy highlights several policies government should implement to address the regional inequalities that impact rural communities – including the need for investment in digital and electrical connectivity.

The CLA says that the planning system is ripe for immediate reform. The current regime is restrictive, expensive and inefficient, harming the potential of the economy in rural areas. Other problems

include hidden additional costs and unrealistic demands caused by out-dated perceptions of the rural economy.

The publication argues that Michael Gove, Secretary of State for the newlytitled Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, should

give greater priority to the rural economy’s potential in the National Planning Policy Framework, and that greater use of ‘permission in principle’ rules for proposals with demonstrable economic benefit will significantly boost local economies.

If such changes are made, they will encourage rural businesses to consider new investment, encourage farm diversification, improve job opportunities and improve the interconnectedness of rural and urban supply chains.

CLA President Mark Bridgeman says: “What is so frustrating is that so many rural businesses are ready to invest, create more jobs and opportunity for people, but are held back by a lack of ambition from the government.

“For too long, government has considered rural affairs to be solely a matter for Defra, but Defra does not hold the required policy levers to enact many of the policies necessary to level up rural areas. As a result, transformative ideas often fall between organisational cracks, and opportunities to build strong communities, create jobs and prosperity are routinely missed.”

To read the publication, visit cla.org. uk/campaigns/rural-powerhouse.

Visit the Farm Business Innovation Show this month The Farm Business Innovation Show is nearly upon us, taking place on 10 and 11 November at the NEC Birmingham.

We look forward to welcoming you to the CLA’s stand No 2040, where we will be running a programme of seminars covering topics essential for anyone considering diversification.

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You will have the opportunity to hear from our experts on topics such as decarbonising rural buildings, the opportunities within environmental markets, making the most of your assets, and much more.

You will also be able to speak directly to CLA advisers for invaluable advice and support.

Whether you are looking for inspiration and advice to grow or evolve your rural business, or are thinking of diversifying into the outdoor events and leisure industry, you will find a wide range of ideas on how to create new revenue streams at the Farm Business Innovation Show.

To book your free tickets visit farmbusinessshow.co.uk.

cla.org.uk

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GO ONLINE

Stay up to date with the latest news cla.org.uk

NEWS IN BRIEF

@countrylandandbusiness

@CLAtweets

INFLUENCE

CLA win: Welsh Government announces extension to Glastir & Farming Connect Welsh Government has committed £66m to extend Glastir Advanced, Commons and Organic contracts until December 2023. A further £7m will extend Farming Connect’s advice service through to March 2023.

This commitment has been an important ask from CLA Cymru as Glastir is a key income stream for many of our members; if it were not extended, there would be a risk that the significant environmental outcomes made since it started in 2012 would have been lost.

Alongside the Glastir and Farming Connect announcements, Welsh Government published its eagerlyawaited response to the Agriculture (Wales) Bill white paper, which CLA Cymru responded to earlier this year.

It reiterated that the bill will be laid before the Senedd in Spring 2022.

To read the response, visit cla.org. uk/news/clarity-over-wales-futureagriculture-policy.

KNOWLEDGE

ADVICE

IMAGES: ALAMY, ISTOCK

COMMUNITY

MEMBER SERVICES

New technical article series The CLA has launched a technical article series called ‘In Focus’, covering topics from specific planning areas to tax and legal issues, wayleaves, farming grants, training and new technology.

The series, which is available to read on our website, aims to provide a detailed overview of each

topic, including key considerations, and highlights how members can benefit from the CLA’s advice.

Articles already published include: family trusts, UK trespassing laws and Class Q permitted development rights. Visit cla.org.uk and search ‘In Focus’ in the search bar to read all articles.

CLA wins national award for member support during Covid-19

Make a difference with CLA Christmas cards Spread some cheer this festive season with CLA Christmas cards. You will be supporting the work of your own charity, as £1 from each pack of cards sold will go to the CLA Charitable Trust, which has given more than £2m in grants to projects and organisations since it was created in 1980.

This year, our collection of seasonal images includes ‘Rydal, Lake District, in winter snow’, ‘Snowman’ and ‘Frosty country road’. A pack contains 10 cards of one design and costs £9.99, including P&P and VAT. To browse the full collection of CLA Christmas cards available, visit: cla.org.uk/news/christmas-cards.

To order, call 01978 251 004.

@countrylandandbusiness

The CLA has won an Association Excellence Awards 2021 accolade for ‘Best Membership Support during Covid-19 (5,000+ members).

When Covid-19 struck, at least 3,500 of the most vulnerable members received personal phone calls from CLA staff providing them with support. Additionally, hundreds of members reached out

for advice each month.

We successfully lobbied for major government changes, such as a 75% cut in VAT for tourism and hospitality businesses, while working with a cross-industry coalition to feed the nation by promoting farm work to the unemployed and furloughed.

CLA Director General Sarah Hendry says: “I am over the moon at the CLA being announced as winner in this category. It is testament to the very real and concerted efforts of my colleagues to support our members in a very challenging time.

“Our members can be doublyassured that the CLA is in their corner supporting their needs in the face of adversity.”

Carbon markets guidance A new guidance note on carbon markets is now available on the CLA website. It explains how carbon markets work and is essential reading for anyone considering selling carbon. You can find it under the advice tab.

LAND & BUSINESS | NOVEMBER 2021 11

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NEWS

Order your 2022 CLA diary Stay on top of your week with a CLA diary. Classically produced, these weekto-view diaries are available in two sizes.

The A5 desk diary allows you keep track of key appointments, while the pocket diary will is ideal for reminders and details

of daily tasks. Order one of each size and save on the total cost.

Made for CLA members, you benefit from information including CLA o ce contact details, ways to make the most of your membership, details on CLA member services and

information on the CLA Charitable Trust.

The desk diary costs £16, the pocket diary £9 and a set of both £23. You can also add your initials in handprinted gold blocking for £2.50. Call Lansdowne Publishing on 0161 872 6667 to place your order.

Don’t miss the deadline for the 2022 CLA Business Directory There is no better way to promote your products and services to the key landowning and rural communities than through the CLA Business Directory. It is distributed annually to the entire CLA membership of rural land and property owners and is freely available to everyone online.

Prices start at £5.41 plus VAT per month for a classified listing in the printed directory, repeated online for no extra cost. A classified listing comprises your company name, postal address, phone and fax numbers, company email and website. Your name will also be included as a point of contact.

Advertising options These opportunities are only available to CLA landowning, business and professional members.

Book a classified listing and place your business details under a relevant business classification.

Increase your exposure

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and repeat your listing under additional business classifications.

Explain your products and services with a company description.

Reinforce your corporate identity by adding a logo to your online listing.

Get your business noticed with a display advert (repeated free of charge on the CLA Business Directory website).

Sponsor your chosen business classification and benefit from a full-page company profile positioned near to the business classification heading (limited availability).

Book a sixth pager (or larger) by Monday 8 November and receive a free online logo worth £60 plus VAT. The display advertising deadline is Friday 17 December.

To discuss all options available to you, call 020 7324 2754 or email cla@redactive.co.uk.

CLA BUSINESS DIRECTORY ONLINE We welcome the following new members: South East

Amh plant and commercial ltd Maintenance

South West

Baldwin Construction Construction

North

Carbon Metrics Agricultural and Rural Consultants

South West

Helpful Holidays Holiday Cottages

Wales

Kate Morel Campsites

Midlands

PCB Solicitors LLP Solicitors

South West

TG Blanchard Plant Ltd Construction

North

TheLogCompany.com Retail

North East

DMC North Financial Services

South East Pitchup.com Campsites

Contact Samantha Gow on 020 7324 2754, email samantha.gow@ redactive.co.uk or visit clabusinessdirectory.co.uk to find out how you can publicise your business

cla.org.uk

20/10/2021 10:30

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YOUR VIEWS

Letters

STAR LETTER

Letters for Land & Business should be emailed to jasmin.mcdermott@cla.org.uk

Connecting the countryside In response to ‘An inclusive countryside’ Counterpoint in October’s Land & Business Sarah Mukherjee’s piece is not unusual, and it goes deeper than that. County constabularies struggle to find officers who want to serve in the countryside because it is so different to urban work – it can be lonely; few can read a map, so getting lost is a real issue; mobile signals are unreliable, and much more.

How do we fix it?

Unfortunately, there is a small minority of visitors who create real trouble for farmers, with gates left open, dogs off leads and little regard for footpaths.

This is a challenge for farmers and nurtures the ‘get off my land attitude’ cited by the Director General in her reply.

Until there is a wider understanding of where, how and by whom food is grown, the public will remain disconnected.

We have to connect them to what they eat, and more particularly to why waste matters. We must

S LE TAR TT ER

promote using raw product, not packaged, processed foods. There are myriad cooking programmes on TV, but many still do not cook.

We need to create a hunger to understand, and find a route to inform. Maybe organisations such as the Country Trust and its focus on inner city schools could act as a springboard? Its ‘Farm in a Box’ and ‘Climate Action in a Box’ are a fine start.

HUGH OLIVER-BELLASIS HAMPSHIRE

STAR PRIZE

Conflicting priorities We farmers are facing so much uncertainty with the agricultural transition and the planning bill.

The biggest contradiction is the planned Environmental Land Management policy, whereby the government plans to introduce subsidies on the condition that farmers and landowners meet a great deal of environmental criteria, and the production of food seems to be the least of its worries.

I have seen the volume of building on former farmland around Swindon and there is zero regard for the carbon footprint, fl ora and fauna, and ultimately mental wellbeing, which comes with closer association with nature.

Where are the gardens and parks for both private and communal use? Where is the infrastructure for new schools, surgeries and other communal facilities?

There is a huge loss of trust and a swell of suspicion and disaffection at the confusing agendas of the government.

A MAGNUM OF TANNERS EXTRA RÉSERVE, BRUT CHAMPAGNE worth £59.50

CLA FARMER MEMBER, WILTSHIRE

14 NOVEMBER 2021 | LAND & BUSINESS

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LEVELLING UP

ROSIE NAGLE CLA PUBLIC AFFAIRS ADVISER rosie.nagle@cla.org.uk 020 7460 7947

I

t would appear that we are through the worst of the pandemic. Though there is ongoing firefighting from the government on multiple fronts to avoid a winter of discontent, the success of the vaccine rollout and easing of restrictions has allowed the government to be more proactive and finally develop a concept first mooted in 2019: ‘levelling up’.

A lot has been written about the phrase: it is vague, a soundbite that sounds good on paper but doesn’t mean anything in practice and, without any major policy announcements - save for two pots of funding – there was a danger that these claims of style over substance would ring true.

However, it appears that the prime minister is seeking to change that with his reshuffle. The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government was rebranded as the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), with former Environment

Secretary Michael Gove charged Since Gove has been at DLUHC, with steering the ship. he has had to contend with not only This is an interesting move, not levelling up, but also planning. He least because Gove is considered has paused the Planning Bill and is by many in Westminster as one of reviewing its contents, with officials the most radical thinkers of the poised to rewrite significant parts. cabinet, an accolade that explains The CLA criticised the his longevity government’s in government planning white FIND OUT MORE (given his paper, released last betrayal of year, for overlooking Visit cla.org.uk/ Johnson following the potential of the campaigns/ruralBrexit in 2016). countryside by not powerhouse to read the CLA’s Levelling up publication including it in its Even members of the opposition ‘growth’ category rate his ability (the other two to get things done – at a Labour categories being ‘renewal’ [read: party conference fringe event in urban] and ‘protected’ [read: October, Shadow Environment rural]). This would risk leaving Secretary Luke Pollard commended rural areas preserved in aspic and Gove’s tenure at Defra, commenting left behind. We hope that, with this that his vision placed Defra at review, Gove draws on his Defra the heart of government. This is experience and delivers planning praise indeed. Levelling up is also reform that works for rural areas.

Johnson’s flagship policy and a In the meantime, Gove’s task is metric by which he may to develop a coherent levelling well be judged at the up agenda with practical next election, so it is policy levers that deliver paramount. prosperity for the whole of the UK, not least rural areas. The CLA has written to Gove and to Levelling Up Minister Neil O’Brien to share with them the CLA’s publication Levelling up: Unleashing the potential of the rural economy, which contains several policy suggestions.

Gove’s appointment was not the only change, with the creation of a new ministerial position at Defra for Jo Churchill, who will be leading on science and innovation, including gene editing reform. This expanded brief for the department reflects the growing role that the environment is playing in policymaking, and we welcome it. These changes reflect the new priorities for the government as we reach a new stage in recovery.

Levelling up

A cabinet reshuffle appears to have added momentum to the prime minister’s levelling up agenda, and the CLA has several policy suggestions

LAND & BUSINESS | NOVEMBER 2021 17

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E

nergy is a highly political issue. The net zero target has been a key driver since 2019, and the 2020 energy white paper sets out the roadmap to decarbonise the UK by 2050.

The UK hosting COP26 has made energy increasingly newsworthy this year. However, recent gas price rises have made it even more of a hot topic – and one that is one likely to remain on the political agenda for the foreseeable future.

CLA branches and council have been debating energy recently because these issues will affect most members in the coming years as we switch to heat pumps and electric vehicles (EVs). More renewable power generation seems the solution to enable this electrified countryside – but can it be done when existing rural grids are so weak?

Rural proofing The CLA’s priority on energy is to ensure rural proofing of policy interventions that affect power, heat, transport and energy efficiency. Energy policy, regulation and incentives are typically urbancentric and either disadvantage rural areas or prevent them from fully contributing to decarbonisation.

The Energy Performance Certificate methodology disadvantages traditional solid wall buildings, and many owners cannot meet prescribed Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards, leading some to sell their let housing. Gas grids barely reach the countryside, yet the Climate Change Committee wants to see oil heating phased out from 2026. Wholesale transition to heat pumps and EVs in rural areas is a significant challenge, involving high costs – and rural grids aren’t designed to take the additional

18 NOVEMBER 2021 | LAND & BUSINESS

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GRAHAM CLARK CLA FORESTRY AND WOODLAND ADVISER graham.clark@cla.org.uk 0207 460 7925

power demand, which is predicted to double by 2050.

Growing renewables Although renewables provided 43% of our power in 2020, continued expansion, along with nuclear, is necessary – the government wants UK electricity generation to be fossil fuel-free by 2035. Rural areas can play a prominent role in this, as they have the land to host more solar and other renewables. Large-scale battery storage can also help address the intermittency of wind and solar.

Cost However, such developments are controversial locally. Even if the inevitable planning objections can be overcome, the costs of grid connection and reinforcement can kill off many projects early on. The CLA has lobbied on this for years, most recently to Ofgem during its consultation on future grid access and charges for grid reinforcement.

Positive signs Ofgem is considering reducing up-front reinforcement charges for generation connections, and removing them for demand connections. This could boost renewables, improve the viability of farm diversifications and facilitate the rural roll-out of EV charging infrastructure and heat pumps.

Send examples These changes are not secured yet, though. To help strengthen our lobbying, the CLA always needs examples of rural projects being quoted exorbitant grid connection costs, facing long waits or both.

The energy challenge is huge, and time is short. Significant investment is required to decarbonise power, heat and transport. The government must also ensure not only that electricity grids can cope with the realities of a net zero future, but also that rural areas are enabled to fully contribute.

IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK

CLIMATE CHANGE

ADVICE

While renewable power generation is seen as a way to help reach net zero, issues remain around grid capacity and investment

Electrifying the countryside

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ADVICE HARRY GREENFIELD CLA SENIOR LAND USE POLICY ADVISER harry.greenfield@cla.org.uk 020 7460 7937

environmental funding, with an expectation that pilots will explore the use of ‘blended finance’ – combining government funds with private sector investment, such as payments for carbon credits, water management or biodiversity net gain. Interest in natural capital, and the urgency with which the corporate sector is trying to reach net zero carbon emissions, means the time is ripe for land managers to take advantage of this momentum.

Landscape Recovery will not be for everyone. Agreements will be long-term (20- plus years) and the types of activity funded mean that Landscape Recovery is less suitable for members who want to continue productive agriculture on the land.

For this reason, the CLA is wary of suggestions that a third of the ELM budget should be spent on and 2024, on sites of between 500 Landscape Recovery, as Defra and 5,000 hectares. Initial pilots has indicated it will be. At least will focus on restoring threatened during the transition towards the native species and restoring streams new agricultural period, funding and rivers. Applications can come should be directed at improving from individual landowners or land the sustainability of agriculture and managers, as well as groups such as building on the success of previous farm clusters and partnerships with agri-enviroment schemes, as the other organisations.

Local Nature Recovery scheme will.

Unlike other ELM schemes, But there is still a place for Landscape Recovery agreements will Landscape Recovery to fund be tailor-made to each project. This those large-scale, ambitious seems a sensible environmental approach: given projects that FIND OUT MORE the length of time, will help us deal level of investment defrafarming.blog.gov.uk/2021/ with the climate and scale of these and ecological 08/05/learn-more-about-theprojects, it would be emergency we landscape-recovery-scheme/ foolish to attempt face. The CLA is a one-size-fits-all lobbying to ensure approach. To arrive at a suitable the scheme is accessible to land agreement, Defra is also prepared managers, not just environmental to invest in significant project professionals. Members who have an development funding. This could idea for this sort of transformative include planning how to monitor the land-use change, and are willing environmental impact and business, to dedicate land towards it, should governance or legal advice. consider applying for a pilot when Landscape Recovery will also the application window opens need to make use of private sector later this year.

Defra’s Landscape Recovery scheme in England will involve 10 pilot projects and will initially focus on threatened native species and rivers & streams

T

he Landscape Recovery scheme, one of the three new Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes being developed by the government, is the biggest departure from environmental schemes previously delivered through the Common Agricultural Policy.

A decade ago, Professor John Lawton’s nature conservation review stated that, to stem wildlife declines, we need “more, bigger, better and joined” sites for nature. Landscape Recovery aims to make an impact by funding large-scale, long-term land-use change projects that restore natural ecosystems.

The scheme will pay to restore or create wildlife habitats that help sequester carbon and boost wildlife, as well as providing many other benefits, such as reducing flood risk and improving water quality.

Woodlands, wetlands, meadows and peatland could all fit the bill.

Defra will pilot 10 Landscape Recovery projects between 2022

20 NOVEMBER 2021 | LAND & BUSINESS

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IMAGE: ISTOCK

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ADVICE JONATHAN THOMPSON CLA SENIOR HERITAGE ADVISER jonathan.thompson@cla.org.uk 020 7460 7942

Analysing the progress that has been made in the field of heritage reform, and the new advice on listed building consent

T

his year is the 10th anniversary of the CLA’s heritage policy manifesto Averting crisis in heritage, which explained the cost and regulatory problems members face when looking after heritage, and included many case studies that were embarrassing for the heritage regulation system.

While almost all members supported heritage protection in principle, many thought that, in practice, it put too many hurdles in the way of necessary change – and not enough in the way of bad change.

The new post-NPPF system Of course, Averting crisis in heritage was not just a list

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23-24 HeritageReform_November 2021_Land & Business.indd 23

of problems: it made careful recommendations. A decade – and much work – later, there has been substantial progress. Most important is the combination of the 2012 National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and the 2014 Planning Practice Guidance (PPG), which for the first time set out a sound national planning policy basis for heritage. This system is now founded on: ‘Conservation’ (explicitly defined as the careful management of change). This replaced the previous ‘presumption in favour of preservation’ ‘Significance’ – in other words, what really matters. This replaced the assumption that everything (especially all ‘historic fabric’)

must be ‘preserved’ Proportionality – focusing thinking on the key issues Viability, so that heritage is assumed to need financially viable uses, including new uses. This replaced the presumption that the original use must be best Certainty, and more advice.

This replaced the presumption that heritage was only a matter for public sector ‘experts’, and that publishing advice would be dangerous because it would fetter the discretion of those experts.

Advice This NPPF approach is – on paper – a transformational change, and owners who follow it (helped by CLA guidance notes) should get consent.

After further encouragement from the CLA and others, Historic England has filled some of the previously-gaping holes in advice by creating a series of advice notes, which sit below the NPPF and PPG

IMAGE: ALAMY

HERITAGE

Heritage reform

LAND & BUSINESS | NOVEMBER 2021 23

20/10/2021 10:32

and cover issues such as farm building conversion, the setting of heritage, and conservation areas.

One of the most notorious advice gaps was on listed building consent (LBC). Although the current LBC system has been in place since 1968, there has always been an astonishing lack of substantive advice explaining it, and especially whether LBC is or is not required.

Given the draconian penalties for getting this wrong, this was a serious problem for CLA members, who were at best unsure and at worst threatened with prosecution and/or enforcement after work that they did not think broke the law.

However, the damage was much worse than that: unnecessary uncertainty over the need for LBC loaded under-resourced local authorities with enquiries, which were difficult for them to answer – especially with the lack of advice. Local authorities’ claims that virtually any work required LBC created perceptions that the heritage protection system was both disproportionate and arbitrary. Above all, this discouraged change – change that is essential if listed buildings are to survive – as well as discouraging people from buying and owning listed buildings at all.

New Historic England advice on LBC One of the key recommendations in the CLA’s heritage policy manifesto was for “new guidance […] which should indicate clearly where LBC is required”. In 2020, Historic England finally agreed to fill this gap, and this summer, after a public consultation (and eight iterations of CLA input), it published an advice note, Listed building consent.

24 NOVEMBER 2021 | LAND & BUSINESS

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- unless you want to paint on top of This does, largely, indicate interesting finishes or previouslyclearly where LBC is required. undecorated surfaces, or use a But firstly, and importantly, it clearly inappropriate colour or a now treats listed building owners non-breathable paint. and their advisers as intelligent and capable of making valid More to do decisions, replacing the previous This new advice (used alongside presumption that only local CLA guidance notes) should give authority experts could know the members the answers in most answers, meaning it was essential cases and reduce the scope for either to make an LBC application local authorities to claim LBC is or to consult the local authority. required when it is not. However, Secondly, it sensibly focuses on it is not perfect, and several serious the areas of doubt: a ‘full makeover’ advice gaps remain – especially, for of a listed building would affect example, on what listing covers, ‘special interest’, triggering the and on heritage at risk. Moreover, need for LBC, while changing a Yale no advice can by itself solve the lock would not. Many of the works fundamental problem: that the carried out by members, however, whole system assumes a much were in apparently grey areas: when higher level of do you need LBC to heritage staffing repaint your house in local authorities or refit your kitchen, than will ever exist and when do you in practice. not? The advice now The CLA is includes a long and Members are advised working on a further detailed table of the to utilise the CLA’s programme of kinds of works that heritage guidance notes for England reform, developed real owners might and Wales, written with heritage want to carry out. explicitly for owners, organisations Thirdly, that table especially Listed under the Historic of potential works Buildings – when do I Environment Forum. usually begins with need consent?

The government the assumption These can be found promised reform in that LBC is not on the CLA’s website its 2020 planning required and then in the advice section. white paper, but the lists mostly-sensible Scroll down and use work of Averting exceptions in which the filter ‘heritage’. crisis in heritage it is. For example, They contain links to Historic England and is definitely not it says you do not other advice. finished yet. need LBC to repaint

IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK

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T

here are a plethora of different environmental schemes for farmers and land managers in England to get to grips with.

Some offer similar, or overlapping, incentives that can allow choice, but as most will not allow double funding, it is not always an easy task to ascertain which is best for an individual farm business and the environment.

We need to ensure that funding reaches those carrying out the work, and one of the best ways is for farmers to work together and lead the projects.

Farmer clusters have demonstrated their value in collaborative actions for the environment since they were established in 2012. There are currently several hundred cluster groups. Some are self-funded, while others have sponsorship or funding through the Natural England Facilitation Fund.

They demonstrate a common purpose for their members, cover large areas of land, and enable practical management of landscape-scale projects. The clusters facilitate discussion, training and inspiration, as well as the opportunity to plan bigger projects and deliver greater environmental gains. Successful groups have devised solutions to apply for funding from a range of sources and allocate it fairly. The environmental gains that can be achieved by working at landscape-scale are fundamentally greater that any individual could attain, but there appears to be few other incentives for farmers to work together.

IMAGE: ISTOCK

Landscape Recovery scheme

the business needs of the farms that are involved.

The Landscape Recovery scheme, which is focused on landscape-scale land use change, is, on the face of it, the obvious choice for cluster groups.

However, it will not be appropriate for everyone. It will favour the creation of new habitat, planting trees and restoring peatland, but it is not suitable for large-scale regenerative farming projects, for example.

That is not to say that the way food is produced is not important to the large-scale recovery of our landscape.

Rather, the route to achieving this will be different, via the Sustainable Farming Incentive and Local Nature Recovery schemes. Ideally, there

should be a premium available to farmers who are working together to both produce food and protect and enhance the environment.

However, there is a risk that the work of farmer clusters in driving sustainable farming at scale will not be fully recognised in these schemes, which seems a missed opportunity.

Farmer clusters can be an effective means of changing our farming practices towards enhancing the environment, but their value needs to be harnessed now. They require clear guidance on how to use the funds available to help them make these changes.

The potential of these groups is there, but they need to be utilised in a much more cohesive way.

Farming

potential

Rebecca Charley, South West Land Use and Farming Adviser at the National Trust, looks at the potential of farmer cluster groups

The new Landscape Recovery scheme is designed to target blocks of between 500 ha and 5,000 ha, so will require some degree of collaboration. Defra needs to consider adding layers to the current proposals to demonstrate the additional gain of working together and provide an incentive for farmers to cluster together.

Defra is looking for biodiversity uplift within these schemes, and working at a landscape-scale has the potential to show such changes in farming practices that demonstrate environmental gain.

However, to get this buy in, there needs to be a significant incentive that matches

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O

verbury Enterprises is nestled in the Cotswold countryside of Gloucestershire and Worcestershire.

Penelope Bossom’s family have lived at Overbury for almost 300 years; she took responsibility for the estate properties in 1998, and the farm two years later.

In 2016, the teams involved in the various parts of Overbury were brought together into the family partnership of Overbury Enterprises.

Over the last few years, the farm has evolved into regenerative agriculture; the water and connectivity infrastructure has been updated with new pipework and full-fibre installation; the range and number of businesses working from its properties

has increased; a children’s day nursery has been established; and Penelope’s daughter Rosanna has converted a farmhouse into a country retreat for social and business breaks.

Overbury Enterprises employs around 40 members of staff – many of whom have worked there for over 20 years – with roles that cover the farm, farm contracting, conservation, woodland, shoot, gardening, childcare, serviced holiday support, business space services, and building and joinery services.

Connectivity In 2012, Overbury saw an opportunity to connect properties and businesses with full-fibre broadband dug across the farm. This was ahead of the fibre to the broadband cabinet upgrades, better suited for more densely populated areas.

Penelope Bossom offers an insight into the diverse businesses at Overbury, ranging from regenerative agriculture and updated infrastructure through to education

Penelope says: “With precision farming, we had to install our own base station for farm machinery guidance (RTK). This is in addition to paying others for the same service, and due to the lack of interoperability and standards – farmers ensuring big business works together.

“To get a connected countryside, I believe we need to look strategically at our problems and specify our technology needs for the future. Today, it is about full-fibre broadband for our homes and offices, mobile connectivity and navigation. For tomorrow we should be working with innovators, discussing the spectrum of networks to get the right ones. We will need to successfully monitor a wide range – electricity meters, security, soil and weather sensors, as well as things not yet used or invented. Putting in a SIM card is not the only answer.”

“If we don’t communicate our priorities before the technology is handed to us, we will never get the best solutions. Before we buy, we should work together to get appropriate

An evolving

IMAGE: AGENCY

estate

cla.org.uk

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GUEST CONTRIBUTOR Jake Freestone showing the children the cross slot drill at Overbury’s Countryside Learning day 2021

Farming Overbury is an arable farm with sheep, and, since 2012, a LEAF-demonstration farm. It has been practicing regenerative agriculture techniques of cover crops and no-till since 2013, when Overbury’s Farm Manager, Jake Freestone, embarked on Nuffield scholarship with a focus on increasing wheat yields.

“The result of his study showed we could reduce costs and improve our soil health,” says Penelope. “Pre2004 ploughing total establishment costs were £169/ha. Our predicted budget was £72/ha. Seven years later we find ourselves with better soil, using even fewer inputs, and our current establishment costs are £48/ha.”

Looking ahead, Penelope says areas of focus include getting more organic matter into the soil, developing livestock, looking at the potential of partnerships and getting closer to customers.

“Growing crops is not the only part of the farm’s future income, and to be profitable we will need to develop others,” she says. “In January 2021, we

signed a higher-level scheme, our third stewardship agreement since 2000.

Overbury is also working on other opportunities focused on carbon and biodiversity projects. “The more we understand how our natural assets can sequester carbon, the more complex and challenging we realise this is going to be to measure.”

Overbury’s overarching philosophy is to look at the long-term needs of the farm and consider future developments to ensure it remains viable in the future. “Producing food and improving biodiversity, habitat and soil are exciting challenges, but they need to be balanced with the uncertainty that farmers face, which is that there are many things they are unable to influence.

“Though we always need to think about the long term, I don’t think we have much thinking time, and this highlights why big farms, small farms, scientists and agri-tech innovators should work together.”

Education Overbury is also home to Overbury Grasshoppers, a day nursery for

REGENERATIVE FARMING TALK Jake Freestone will be talking more about regenerative farming at the CLA’s Rural Business Conference on 2 December in London.

Visit cla.org.uk/rbc21.

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children aged one to primary school age that provides outdoor and countryside experiences. The nursery, which also runs before and after-school clubs, complements the Overbury CoE First School, built by Penelope’s great, greatgrandfather Robert. Both nursery and school enjoy their visits to the farm and kitchen garden.

“Early years and countryside education are the perfect combination,” says Penelope. “The children have plenty of time to explore and discover things, and they are at the right age to absorb and understand more about the countryside and food. Our education projects benefit our teams too, as they really enjoy sharing their knowledge and passion.”

The team has hosted estate Countryside Learning days since 2002, and held many school visits around Overbury. Farm Manager Jake Freestone is also part of Farmer Time, an initiative wherein farmers link by video to a school classroom to discuss aspects of agriculture, answer questions and share ideas, with the aim of broadening understanding of the issues farmers face.

“Rural Britain will need a huge range of skills in the future, and I feel it is up to all of us to get involved and share our passion with the next generation,” says Penelope.

“Children today benefit from experiences and understanding of the countryside, helping to shape their interests and provide a foundation for future careers. Rural jobs in the future will probably not share many resemblances with those of today, but curiosity with understanding and a love of the natural environment will be an advantage.”

IMAGE: SARAH FARNSWORTH

standards and interoperability for rural areas.

“With masts and ducting, we should work with the service providers to find fairer and simpler ways of remuneration, perhaps relative to the fluctuating values of traffic. We need to be involved early in talking to the communications industry to solve local rural problems around signal and connectivity before money is spent on the wrong solutions.”

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GUEST CONTRIBUTOR

T

he Cotswolds look like the Cotswolds because of farming. It is a core part of the area’s economy and has shaped its appearance over centuries, creating the distinctive and much-loved landscape that was protected for the nation in 1966 as a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) – now the Cotswolds National Landscape.

Farming has also created several of the highly valued special qualities of the Cotswolds AONB, including the large, open High Wolds, with its big skies, long-distance views, distinctive drystone walls and flower-rich grasslands.

By definition, AONBs are landscapes whose distinctive character and natural

beauty are so outstanding that it is in the nation’s interest to safeguard them. The primary purpose of AONB designation is to “conserve and enhance natural beauty”, and the ongoing viability of farming is vital for the future of the Cotswolds landscape, and for delivering the purpose of designation.

Farming and landscape have evolved over time and continue to do so. That evolution is accelerating due to climate change, global economic pressures and subsidy reform, particularly the withdrawal of the Basic Payment Scheme and emerging opportunities such as carbon sequestration and biodiversity net gain.

Farm businesses look to diversification to remain viable, but often feel

constrained by the AONB designation.

It is true that the hurdle is set higher for gaining planning permission or navigating environmental impact assessment (EIA) screening within an AONB. However, it’s far from impossible - it’s about putting the right thing in the right place, whether it’s a new building, farm shop, woodland or campsite, and ensuring it’s designed and located in a way that is compatible with the AONB designation and sufficiently avoids or minimises adverse impacts.

Policies, guidance and considerations One secret to success is being aware of the relevant policies, information and guidance, and seeking honest, good

Balancing farming and

landscape Mark Connelly, Land Management Lead at the Cotswolds National Landscape, explains how farm diversifications can succeed within an AONB designation

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IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK

quality advice. National planning policy within the National Planning Policy Framework sets the guidelines for local planning policies, outlined within local development plans. Planning decisions should also take account of the relevant statutory AONB management plan and associated guidance.

AONB Conservation Boards and Partnerships are not the planning authority – that function remains with local planning authorities.

However, AONB Conservation Boards and Partnerships do usually engage with planning matters, for example by responding to planning application consultations, writing guidance and position statements, and providing advice to the planning authority. The

coverage of guidance and position statements, and the level of responses to planning applications, varies across the family of AONBs due to variations in AONB size and resources. Each will respond based on the policies within its own statutory AONB management plan.

Considerations include how the proposed diversification would affect and, ideally, conserve and enhance: Landscape quality (for example landscape character, taking account of relevant ‘special qualities’ of the AONB and key features or characteristics of relevant landscape character types) Scenic quality (for example views from public rights of way, roads and access land) Natural heritage (for example biodiversity and geodiversity) Cultural heritage (for example historic environments) Local distinctiveness (for example vernacular architecture and field boundaries) Tranquillity (including avoiding and minimising visual and aural disturbance) Dark skies (including avoiding and minimising light pollution).

Most of the above also apply when considering options such as woodland creation, and are used in the EIA scoping process by the Forestry Commission, Natural England and AONB officers. An increasing number of AONBs now have, or are developing, guidance on tree planting and woodland creation.

Another issue is to clarify with the relevant local planning authority whether a project requires planning permission or whether it is permitted development. If it is permitted development, then it’s advisable to clarify the relevant requirements (for example ‘prior notification’). The South Downs National Park Authority has produced A Farmer’s Guide – Agricultural Permitted Development Rights in the South Downs National Park, which explains permitted development rights in a relatively clear and easy to understand way. Principal considerations for ‘prior notification’ proposals would include the design,

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appearance and location of any proposed development, and how it avoids or minimises harm.

A common trip hazard seems to be considering a proposal while standing on the site, not looking at it from across the road, the opposite hillside or a public right of way, which is what planning and landscape officers do. If the proposal involves lighting, do the same at night.

Spotting the opportunities We tend to hear about failure to gain consent, but farm businesses across the Cotswolds are successfully evolving and diversifying in ways that fit with conserving and enhancing. Examples include visitor accommodation, permits for horse riding and walking, local vegetable and meat box schemes, community-supported agriculture, farm outlets ranging from traditional farm shops to micro-shops, and small-scale low-carbon energy production. There is growing interest and demand for local produce, as well as opportunities to engage with and experience the natural environment, whether it’s walking, wildlife, dark skies or learning a new skill. The Cotswolds has the advantage of a particularly strong identity and ‘brand’, creating significant opportunities for the tourism, engagement and local produce sectors.

Assistance within AONBs and National Parks for a wide range of diversification projects is available until March 2024 through the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme. The programme is part of the government’s Agricultural Transition Plan, sitting alongside other programmes and schemes such as the Environmental Land Management scheme pilots, Tree Health pilot and Farming Investment Fund. It works with farmers and land managers to deliver across four themes: climate, nature, people and place.

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GUEST CONTRIBUTOR

T

here is no doubt that we must act with more urgency to deal with the climate crisis, particularly following the stark warning in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s report earlier this year.

For farmers and landowners across the UK, it should be seen as an opportunity to come together to play our part in society, not only to produce food but also to deliver public goods in line with the 25-Year Environment Plan.

The Climate Change Committee’s Risk Assessment Chapter 3, launched in September, sets out the urgent need for action in the land management sector. It provides multiple scenarios that show the potential impacts of climate change, and comes at a time

when the UK and devolved governments are restructuring agricultural support payments post-Brexit.

At this time of change in both policy and environmental responsibility, it is hard to know how to adapt farm and rural businesses to protect the environment and make the most of complex and evolving opportunities.

There are many developing funding streams around biodiversity net gain, Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes, carbon trading and private investments through green finance for ecological recovery, wilding and biodiversity recovery.

The government adds to the complexity by offering an extensive range of funding opportunities for capital delivery, such as Nature for Climate, Farming in Protected

Landscapes, the Green Recovery Fund and the Investment Readiness Fund.

What does this mean for the farmers and landowners who are bewildered by this ‘pack of cards’ in front of them, not knowing which to take advantage of?

Funding adaptation The Future Farm Resilience Programme offers help with business reviews and adaptation. The advice on offer varies, but most providers will help individual businesses to identify their strengths and weaknesses, and offer pointers for future actions and opportunities.

Adaptation is key. It is possible that – with advances in geographical information systems, natural capital mapping and geospatial data – we can truly understand the contribution that one land parcel can contribute –

Acting together IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK

Jenny Phelps MBE of Gloucestershire Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group explains how a coordinated approach, drawing on local knowledge, could help deliver national priorities

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GUEST CONTRIBUTOR

Acting locally, thinking globally Acting locally and thinking globally could enable coordinated, costbeneficial adaptation to take place, supported by a range of public, private and third sector organisations working with specialist advisers who are trained to maximise blended finance in a way that is unique to every locality.

Some of the actions that could be explored include: Working with your neighbours to create groups or clusters of farms for shared action – a simple investmentready project template of groups of parishes and towns working together with groups of farms along water bodies. Managing water across the landscape and catchment is essential

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for healthy aerobic soils that underpin ecological recovery.

Creating natural capital maps to set an environmental baseline.

Keeping your existing records of land management for the previous four to five years to enable investment from multiple sources, such as carbon.

Working together to investigate shared opportunities for investment in landscape-scale biodiversity recovery, carbon capture, and flood and drought risk reduction.

Linking with your communities to discuss opportunities to re-localise food, water and power.

Offering a few acres for community growing areas or recreation and access to nature.

Taking the step from commodity production to more mixed farming enterprises, adding value and exploring local markets.

Investigating alternative crop and livestock systems that reduce inputs and cultivations, and build soil health.

Seeking advice from a trusted adviser who can identify local opportunities that are relevant to your location, including connections with local groups such as local economic and nature partnerships. These can be

a conduit for funding integrated projects on the ground.

The ELM schemes have the chance to catalyse these opportunities by supporting action at a county level. They will be at the mercy of Treasury funding, so it will be important to look for other funding sources from the private sector, either instead of, or as part of, a joint scheme.

This is often termed ‘blended finance’.

If we can monetise and value the diverse ecosystem services derived from the land, such as flood mitigation, biodiversity recovery, water quality and carbon capture (as is already being done by the Environment Agency), we might even be able to crack food inequality – making food from these thriving biodiverse landscapes affordable for all.

To realise this vision, we urgently need a system that values the multipurpose outputs from land, and we need clarity from the government on how blended finance will work at a local scale. This will enable farmers, landowners and communities to act in a coordinated and structured way to deliver for farming, the environment and the local community, as well as building resilience and contributing to international action.

IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK

whether that is food, biomass, climate mitigation, flood prevention, specialist wildlife habitat or a mix.

This will help us understand the ecosystem services that can be delivered by land use and management, and direct how we might identify funding to restore natural capital. It can be complicated initially, so support from local specialist advisers and facilitators working with farmers and landowners can support a more integrated approach.

What is needed is support for an integrated systems approach (integrated local delivery) that values farming and local knowledge and joins up all strategic priorities and opportunities at a local level. This researched and evaluated framework could result in multiple funding opportunities while delivering local, national and international commitments that underpin the UN’s sustainable development goals.

‘What is needed is support for an integrated systems approach that values farming and local knowledge, and joins up local priorities and opportunities’

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GUEST CONTRIBUTOR

B

ack in 1992, I chaired a working group of CLA members, allied professional advisers and redoubtable head of taxation Adrian Baird, to look at the unsatisfactory way in which rural businesses were taxed as they diversified away from their predominantly agricultural income.

Coincidentally, the CLA’s incoming president Mark Tufnell was working with me at Smith & Williamson at the time, and was intimately involved in the deliberations. It is a small world.

Our group reported in November 1992 and proposed that rural businesses should, in future, be considered as a single unit for taxation purposes, giving birth to the concept of the Rural

Business Unit (RBU). Our report was way, without the anomaly of different presented to the government, and I tax regimes applying to the various know it was seriously considered by sources of income. both Defra and the Treasury, as I was In 1997, the incoming Labour so informed by the then minister of government focused on what it agriculture John Selwyn considered to be Gummer – my own more important member of Parliament rural issues, some of FIND OUT MORE at the time. which resulted in the For more information Indeed, I understand passing of a number on the CLA’s Rural that the possibility of of acts that affected Business Unit, visit cla.org.uk/ introducing the RBU life in the countryside. library/rural-business-unit was seriously considered The taxation of rural in government right landowners, and the up to the 1997 election. However, concept of the RBU, was clearly not top the immediate loss of some tax was of that government’s rural agenda, and unfortunately considered more pressing for its introduction was no important than encouraging rural longer a priority for the CLA. landowners to look at their businesses However, the wheel has come full in a simpler, more efficient and holistic circle. Although I have long since retired as chairman of the CLA’s taxation committee, CLA officers and staff have kept the concept of the RBU alive as a desirable reform to press when the time is right.

In February 2020, the CLA’s Budget Submission once again championed the concept of the RBU as a reform that would simplify the tax rules for diversified rural businesses.

Of course, life has been far from normal since March 2020 and, as we know, it has been very difficult to hold meetings and round tables in which new concepts can be discussed with officials.

Nevertheless, the CLA is championing the RBU as a key element of its Rural Powerhouse campaign.

Now is the time for government to look at the concept again in order to assist rural landowners as they face the profound changes that are consequent on the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, and thus from the Common Agricultural Policy. Indeed, looking at my own business, I can see that we are facing changes that are as challenging as those we faced when I first became involved more than 50 years ago.

I wish the CLA success as the concept of the Rural Business Unit heads towards its 19th birthday.

Simplified tax

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IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK

Sir Michael Bunbury briefl y explores the 19-year history of the CLA’s Rural Business Unit, and why it is an important policy concept for the future

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FEATURE

L-R: Roy Cox, Blenheim Estate Director; Liz Nicholson, Nicholsons Managing Director and FCF Director; Nathan Fall, Nicholsons Woodlands Manager; Dominic Hare, Blenheim Chief Executive; Graham Edgell, Director of Sustainability and Procurement at Morgan Sindall Group; and Dougal Driver, Grown in Britain CEO.

Blended finance Liz Nicholson explains more about the Forest Canopy Foundation, which has successfully harnessed blended finance for a woodland project at Blenheim Estate

IMAGE: INGA K

T

he proposals to bring blended finance mechanisms into environmental land use add a layer of complexity to the opportunity and could become a barrier to accessibility for many.

Any land use change must stack up financially. I champion the narrative that natural capital assets within landowner holdings have immense value, but many seem unsure about how they can access this value.

At the beginning of the pandemic, four independent forestry company directors prioritised the need to find a mechanism for bringing corporate finance in line with government grants and landowner engagement.

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The vehicle to bring these themes together is the not-for-profit Forest Canopy Foundation (FCF). The first step was to engage with Grown in Britain with the clear purpose of offering a metric that could measure benefits in natural capital silos in the creation of new lowland woodland.

This collection of benefits is called ‘canopy’ woodland.

In a nutshell FCF is a cooperation of 15 independent forestry companies, certified as expert providers and offering excellence in the delivery of woodland creation in the UK, from planting through to full establishment. Grown in Britain is an independent verifier that audits the expert providers, the scheme and the ongoing delivery.

The Forestry Commission has developed the English Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO) to encourage woodland creation schemes with broad natural capital benefits.

Blenheim Estate has committed poor arable land, most suited to forestry, to such a scheme, working in partnership with a corporate investor. The investor can simply buy the predicted carbon, often with a 25-year limit, but in the case of this pilot scheme, Morgan Sindall Group has invested in a broader ambition – including a high level of specifically defined community engagement commitments.

A visionary leader John Morgan, Chief Executive at Morgan Sindall Group, along with his Sustainability and Procurement Lead Graham Edgell, have brought clarity of purpose to the blended finance concept. Morgan Sindall Group has shown clear leadership to invest in more than carbon, at prices that may reflect the future green book valuations – and certainly not the present unrealistically low levels.

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FEATURE

The development of a shared forest school site.

The company also understands that landowners will not invest in schemes for nature recovery unless the maths is right. Prices under the current Woodland Carbon Code or the Woodland Carbon Guarantee do not facilitate the change that is required.

The scheme 135ha Grade 3b or poorer sloping Cotswold brash Nine woodlands 85% broadleaf trees

The benefits 22,000 tonnes of CO2 sequestered in the first 25 years Reduction in soil erosion into the River Dorn and River Glyme, which is silting up the Blenheim Lake Reduced nitrate and phosphate inputs Reduced run-off 16.5 km of new public access footpath connecting with existing networks Increased connectivity, giving better wildlife corridors A mosaic of habitats within the designed woodland, enhancing biodiversity Significant soil carbon sequestration Reduced air pollution Enhanced amenity of the landscape in an extensive arable belt

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bring the ultimate result of driving land-use change in a sustainable way and encouraging woodland creation Why would a that offers the full cluster of corporate invest? environmental benefits.

Morgan Sindall Group has led Complex issues around taking land on sustainable building practices out of residual agri-environmental by sharing data with the Carbon schemes have been navigated to allow Disclosure woodland creation Project to projects to proceed FIND OUT MORE reduce its this year. emissions as John Lockhart, forestcanopyfoundation.co.uk growninbritain.org holistically as chairman of Lockhart possible, only Garratt and Nonoffsetting the Executive Director unavoidable residual. on the Forest Services Board, says: The company has chosen “It has been excellent to see FCF and the UK to offset any residual the sector working in close partnership tonnes, with the belief that with the Forestry Commission to you should offset and benefit bring forward such a flagship project. the communities where the The combination of effective regulation, carbon is emitted. Morgan high quality design and implementation, Sindall Group is one of the founding landowner and investor support members of Grown in Britain, and is leading the way in developing a firmly believes that we need to grow model that can demonstrate the real our own timber in the UK for the opportunities for landowners keen construction industries of the future. to embrace environmental land-use The UK is a net importer of timber, change as a business opportunity.” importing £7.5bn in wood products.

Due to archaeological challenges, Statistically, the UK is one of the two of the woodlands at the Blenheim nations with the least woodland cover project have been withdrawn from in Europe, sitting at 13% compared to planting this season for further the European average of 35%. archaeological study.

Grown in Britain recognises the Future goals need for good silvicultural practice This FCF pilot scheme is engaging throughout the lifetime of the in extended research to develop the woodland, including weed control natural capital marketplace, including: for early establishment, rabbit, deer Monitoring soil carbon before and grey squirrel exclusion, and good planting thinning and silvicultural practices Monitoring air quality throughout throughout the lifetime of the crop. the Blenheim estate and establishing Landowners who plant trees today are correlations with tree planting growing a timber crop, in conjunction Monitoring nitrates and phosphates with all the associated benefits in river water that well-designed and established Drone monitoring of sequestered woodland are known to provide. carbon as the trees grow The government’s role Baseline studies of biodiversity to Government ministers and departments calibrate biodiversity net gain Exclusive use of plastic-free shelters. have been working hard to collaborate on and develop schemes that support The commitment from the parties appropriate environmentally-beneficial involved has facilitated a large-scale land-use change. The new EWCO gives agri-environment project that will open financial support to those schemes that countless opportunities for others to offer broader natural capital benefits. follow in an uncertain market that is The Forestry Commission has now more accessible. developed the detail in the scheme to

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Next month

Coming up in December’s Land & Business

2021 Budget Analysis on the chancellor’s autumn budget and government’s spending review for all government departments

Agricultural transition

How businesses can make the most of the Sustainable Farming Incentive, which will be launched next year

An interview with new President Mark Tufnell A review of the CLA’s Forestry Conference HAVE YOUR SAY on the topics featured in this magazine or developments affecting you by writing a letter to the editor. You could be one of our prize winners

43 Next Issue_November 2021_Land & Business.indd 43

One member’s innovative approach to farming

19/10/2021 16:52

FEATURE

A

ccording to the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association, 3.2m households in the UK have acquired a pet since the start of Covid-19. It estimates there are now 12m pet dogs in the UK. Having a safe location to let your dog off a lead without the fear of it running towards a road or chasing livestock can be difficult for many dog owners.

During the various Covid-19 lockdowns, the CLA urged all dog owners to be responsible when walking their animals, and to adhere to the Countryside Code.

Dogs running off leads and chasing or

attacking livestock is a serious concern for many farmers and landowners. With the countryside seeing a rise in visitors during the pandemic, many of whom had new dogs, those concerns were heightened.

Some landowners are now creating ‘paw parks’ – fenced areas of secure land where dog owners can, for a fee, book a slot to let their pet pooch run without the fear of it vanishing into the distance or chasing farm animals.

Shotesham Park CLA member Shotesham Park in Norfolk manages an arable farm in hand, growing cereals, oilseed rape, beans

and sugarbeet. During the Covid-19 lockdown last year, the estate created a fenced two-acre field for dog owners wanting to exercise their pets.

Edward Bailey, from the Shotesham Estate, says: “We have a farm employee with rescue pointers, who told us he was driving half an hour away to safely exercise his dogs. Meanwhile, we had an underutilised ancient grassland field with good access from the road, which we realised would make the perfect site for a secure dog park.

“From a business perspective, we recognised that the upfront costs – including planning and the fencing – were going to be our biggest

Lee Murphy speaks to two landowners who have assigned land to ‘paw parks’, providing dog walkers with a secure location in which to walk pets

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expenditures,” Edward continues. “We knew that our pricing was going to be influenced by other dog parks, and that we would have to fall into the same pricing bracket to be competitive.

“The ongoing costs are low, but there is definitely a time element to consider.

We spend up to an hour a day walking the field, changing the bins and water, and checking for damage to the fence.”

Edward’s wife, Kelly, agrees: “There is an element of maintenance that shouldn’t be underestimated. It’s more than just putting up a fence.”

For Edward and Kelly, it was important to create a dog park that was an experience for visitors. “When

ARE THERE ON LI L I M 12 OGS PET D E UK H T IN

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‘Improved returns aside, it’s been rewarding to provide a service to local people who were previously having to travel quite a distance to safely walk their dogs’ we looked at our setting and the environment we have, we felt we have a beautiful location and wanted a balance between generating income and creating a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere,” says Kelly.

Edward and Kelly consider it important for landowners to first understand the needs of dog owners and businesses in their area if they are considering setting up a secure field.

They believe it has been well worth the investment. “Improved returns aside, it’s been rewarding to provide a service to local people who were previously having to travel quite a distance to safely walk their dogs, many of which are rescues and are reactive due to traumatic histories,” Kelly says.

investment, it doesn’t require huge management and it’s an easy form of diversification. Once we established the first park, it broke even after about six months. From that moment, we were keen to open the second one as soon as possible.”

George initially targeted professional dog walkers in the local area, who make up the majority of the visitors during the day. Family dog owners use the field more commonly at weekends and in the evenings.

“We decided not to provide water for visiting dogs, as we were concerned about the potential for diseases that can be carried in water bowls,” says George.

“We make that pretty obvious so that people know that they need to supply their own.

“There is a bit of upkeep from the admin side,” he adds. “We do get a lot Newton Farms of people requesting to move their time Newton Farms, a progressive slot because the weather’s changed, mixed farm based in south and we do get people contacting us Cambridgeshire, has regularly asking questions about the e established two secure dog height of the fencing. Some of our fields. The private hire fields regular visitors have my mobile number c cater for dog owners in their to contact me on.” l local area, and prices start at George believes the rise in dog £ if you visit with one dog £10 ownership during the pandemic had f an hour. for a positive impact on the business. “It’s George Hurrell, of Newton so suburban and densely populated F Farms, says: “The whole where we are in south Cambridgeshire id came about because of idea – there are people walking dogs all over th withdrawal of the Basic the the place. I do wonder if people felt Payment Scheme. As we safer walking their stand to lose 25% of our dogs in a secure dog FIND OUT MORE single farm payment, we walking field during have to plug that hole. shoteshampark.co.uk the pandemic.” newtonfarms.co.uk “We had a field that, at If you are thinking three acres, wasn’t big of setting up a dog enough to farm, so we park, you can contact thought that as we are only five miles the CLA, which can advise you on all from the centre of Cambridge, creating a aspects that are required before dog park would make a lot of sense.” progressing with a project of this nature, George says the parks have been a including planning considerations and good decision. “It’s a quick return on business rates.

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YOUR CLA JEREMY MITCHELL ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

CLA IInsurance sets t outt what h t members need to consider to ensure they have the right cover for historic rural buildings

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he countryside is home to some of the most beautiful buildings in the UK. Farmsteads, barns, country houses and cottages pepper the landscape and are what make our rural spaces so unique and wellloved, both at home and abroad.

Their beauty often comes with historical and architectural importance, and many have been ‘listed’ (Grade I, Grade II* and Grade II) to preserve their splendour.

However, these measures often present management challenges for their owners. These types of property can also quickly fall into disrepair, especially if a backlog of maintenance issues develop over time.

Older construction techniques and raw materials mean historic or listed buildings are more vulnerable to the elements. A Met Office report has shown that the UK’s climate is becoming wetter, with more extreme rain days during the past decade than in the 1960s and 1970s.

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Last year was also the third hottest year on record, according to a report published by the International Journal of Climatology.

Fire is a perennial problem, too.

According to emergency specialists Ideal Response, 47 Grade II listed buildings in England required assistance from a fire and rescue service in 2019 alone. The causes of these fires were varied, from chimney fires and electrical faults to deliberate attacks. Vacant buildings can also be vulnerable to vandalism, theft and arson.

The right policy It makes sense, therefore, that where there are unique criteria and special considerations, insurance policies should accommodate them. The onesize-fits-all approach that works for modern builds of brick-and-tile construction just won’t cut it.

However, it can be a bit of minefield, and choosing cover can throw up all sorts of questions. For

GET IN TOUCH To speak to a member of our specialist team, call 01234 230295.

IMAGE: ISTOCK

CLA INSURANCE

Protecting heritage

example, when making repairs, will you be asked to follow today’s building regulations and incorporate modern measures such as insulation and alarms? These kinds of questions have major insurance implications.

Listed buildings also often bring heftier price tags on building materials and professional costs.

They commonly suffer from structural problems, are more expensive to repair and rebuild, and have tighter planning restrictions.

Other issues to think about might include whether the property is privately occupied or open to the public. Or whether there are wellmaintained open fires in regular use and battery-operated or hardwired fire and smoke alarms.

Owners of farms with old, historic and listed rural properties should consider talking to an insurance broker with expertise in this specific sector. It is only by doing so that they can be sure they have the correct cover for their property.

Ultimately, approaching a qualified adviser will save you money, stress and headaches further down the road. There are a myriad of insurance products on the market, and attempting to go it alone can be overwhelming.

Living or working in an older building can be extremely rewarding, but it is important to think about the additional considerations when it comes to choosing the right insurance.

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The last thing you need is a Utility Vehicle that’s painful to drive, which is why the XUV835M has your comfort in mind.

Sit three people up front when driving off-road, and take advantage of the ample storage space, both inside the cab and in the rugged cargo box. You’re proud of the thoroughbreds you care for all day. Why not drive one of your own?

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BY A PP OIN T ME N T T O HE R M A JE S T Y T HE QUE E N SUPPLIE R S OF AGRICULT UR A L , GROUND S C A RE A ND HOR T ICULT UR A L EQUIPME N T JOHN DE E RE LT D NOT T INGH A M

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YOUR CLA

HAMPSTEAD HEATH IMAGES: JAMIE SMITH

LONDON BRANCH

MICHAEL SIMS CLA SOUTH EAST COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER mike.sims@cla.org.uk 01264 313434

R

esidents who enjoyed London’s open spaces during lockdown benefited from the foresight and determination of their Victorian ancestors, the first in-person London Branch meeting in more than 18 months heard.

The guest speaker at the CLA’s Belgrave Square office was Oliver Sells QC (below right), Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Open Spaces and City Gardens Committee, which is in charge of 12,000 acres of “quirky, exotic and interesting” land, monuments and public space.

Oliver, who spoke after the branch AGM, covered the fascinating and diverse history of the city’s open spaces, as well as the challenges they face and what the future may hold.

The pandemic has had a considerable impact, with popular sites from Hampstead Heath to West Ham Park seeing double or triple the number of walkers,

cyclists, runners and swimmers compared to pre-Covid-19 times.

“The last 18 months have highlighted the importance of open spaces,” Oliver said. “We stayed open consistently all the way through, as we had an absolute public duty to do so, and our staff haven’t ceased working day and night.

“An organisation is only as good as the people who work for it, and we aim to look after our staff. They are quite extraordinary.”

Many CLA members have also experienced a rise in visitors to their land during lockdowns, bringing with them issues including littering and livestock worrying – so how do you manage a steep increase in users of urban spaces?

Open spaces The CLA’s London Branch heard about the diverse history of London’s public open spaces and what the future may hold cla.org.uk

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“We tried to adapt with longer opening hours, restricting motor vehicles in some areas to allow more people and expanding children’s play areas,” Oliver said.

The millions of visitors owe their enjoyment to their forebears, who had the vision to protect many of these spaces. A lot of the work was led by women, partly because they were excluded from political life.

Oliver explained that many spaces were acquired during the Victorian period, adding: “The wealth created was fantastic, and put to good use.

“Development took place in a chaotic and uncontrolled way, and green spaces were built on, but people took notice and the city acquired a lot of these spaces. It can be unfashionable to praise them, but they saw the need for open spaces during a time of rapid development and change.”

And what a diverse estate London has, taking in heaths, graveyards, commons, Tower Bridge, an RAF station, golf courses and many statues – a portfolio it has been expanding over hundreds of years.

There are more than 200 gardens of different sizes, shapes and history in the Square Mile, and London also includes the 250-acre Manor Park, which is one of Europe’s biggest crematoriums and cemeteries, and Epping Forest, its largest park at 6,000 acres. The city spends £4.5m a year looking after the latter.

Oliver said: “It has acquired an enormous amount of open space, and is determined to devote it to the public good. There are many challenges, including fly-tipping, tree diseases, cars and dogs, but our task always is to preserve these astonishing spaces.

“We need to be principled, constant and consistent, and try not to look in one-year or five-year cycles but decades or centuries ahead, which is no easy task.”

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The easy way to set up a touring site: Giving your guests their own bathroom instead of shared facilities.

Covid proof Plug & Play Fast return on investment More than 300 units installed Bathroom pod specialists since 2014

Paul: 07587 427 610 paul@campplus.co.uk 50 NOVEMBER 2021 | LAND & BUSINESS

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19/10/2021 16:17

YOUR CLA KIM JOHN CLA SOUTH WEST COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER kim.john@cla.org.uk 01249 700200

Annie Hall centre, named in honour of Umbrella’s former chairperson of trustees

young adults with work experience and selling the produce grown in the allotment to the community.

Trainees at Ouseburn Farm Charity

Newcastle-based city farm Ouseburn Farm describes itself as a place for growing plants, animals and people. It was established in 1976, when parents from Byker took over a plot of land on the site, wanting their children to have access to nature, grow their own food and take care of animals. Today, the charity is a care farm with a placement programme for adults with learning disabilities, difficulties and autistic spectrum disorder.

The farm has been awarded £4,000 to run farm workshops.

Manager Hugh Stolliday says: “This is such an important contribution to our work. We want to offer the best service we can to our clients.

“The working farm we have here plays an important role in combating the isolation felt by these vulnerable adults - particularly after the past 18 months, when isolation had been exacerbated by the pandemic.”

CLA Charitable Trust Chair Bridget Biddell says: “To be able to support the extraordinary work of these charities feels so worthwhile.

Both of these projects fall squarely within the aims of our charity; to help nurture and educate young adults with learning disabilities or difficulties, in and through farming or horticulture.

“We are delighted to support both the creation of the allotment within the new community centre at Umbrella and contribute to the cost of workshops for young adults held

by Ouseburn Farm Charity.”

CLA CHARITABLE TRUST

Rewarding by nature T charities Two h iti have h benefited from grants awarded by the CLA Charitable Trust to fund a new nature area and allotment, as well as farm workshops

I

n 2021, the CLA Charitable Trust has awarded more than £90,000 to projects across England and Wales that promote and provide educational opportunities about the benefits of the countryside.

Trustee and volunteer Wayne Cook says: “As well as the renovation of the centre itself, we’re extremely grateful to the generosity of the CLA Charitable Trust for granting funding to help us create our large outdoor nature area and allotment.”

Umbrella intends to use the £3,000 grant to give children and young adults the chance to access nature and spend more time outside.

The charity also intends to use the new nature area and allotment as a social enterprise, providing the

Umbrella Established in 1986, the Derbybased charity Umbrella enables disabled children and young adults to enjoy exciting and stimulating activities that encourage the development of skills while also being fun. The charity took over the Annie Hall centre, named in honour of Umbrella’s former chairperson of trustees Annie Hall, who died in 2019. It is embarking on a renovation project to transform the dilapidated hall into a fully accessible centre for disabled children and young adults.

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FIND OUT MORE Funded almost entirely by CLA member subscription donations, the Trust supports charitable organisations that access the benefits of the countryside to pursue the health and wellbeing of people and provide opportunities for education about the countryside. Visit cla.org.uk/ about-cla/charitable-trust.

Ouseburn Farm charity

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Wellbeing made easier with Bupa.

When you’ve got qualified nurses a call away, looking after your everyday wellbeing is simpler.

CLA Healthcare offers CLA members advice, 24/7, wherever you are – no putting your health on hold. As a warm welcome, we’re offering you 10% off.* Talk to CLA Healthcare to find out more

01274 717 361 We may record or monitor our calls.

For health insurance.

For Living *Applies to eligible members of the CLA on quotes for new Bupa By You policies. Discounts will be reviewed on 01/10/2022 and any changes will then apply to renewals and new quotes taken out after that date. Quotes are valid for 14 days. T&Cs apply.

Country Land and Business Association Limited is an introducer of Howden Employee Benefits & Wellbeing Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register Number 312841.

Bupa health insurance is provided by Bupa Insurance Limited. Registered in England and Wales No. 3956433. Bupa Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Arranged and administered by Bupa Insurance Services Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Registered England and Wales No. 3829851. Registered office: 1 Angel Court, London EC2R 7HJ 52 NOVEMBER 2021 | in LAND & BUSINESS cla.org.uk BINS 06429

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YOUR CLA RICHARD GOULD DIRECTOR OF CLA HEALTHCARE

IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK

CLA HEALTHCARE

Men’s health awareness CLA Healthcare highlights why November’s Men’s Health Awareness Month is an important time for rural communities

N

ovember is Men’s Health Awareness Month, and men across the UK will be growing moustaches to mark ‘Movember’. There has never been a more important time to consider health issues in the rural sector.

Globally, men still die on average six years earlier than women – and from largely preventable causes, including suicide, testicular cancer and prostate cancer.

The problems faced by rural businesses and rural workers are especially acute, with mental health issues on the rise – impacted by stresses brought on by the pandemic and Brexit. Isolation, loneliness and long hours can also be a threat to health in the farming sector, along with a reluctance to ask for help.

Rural Mental Health Matters (RMHM), which focuses on tackling mental health inequality in rural and remote communities, has highlighted that living in rural and remote areas often means people can feel socially isolated, which can contribute to stress, anxiety and depression and can have a detrimental effect on mental health and wellbeing.

If people do not ‘see’ services in their community, they may believe

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they don’t exist. This has led to a culture of self-reliance and stoicism towards mental health issues, which can prevent people from seeking support earlier. Some rural occupations, such as farming, have suicide rates that are significantly higher than the average. And 88% of farmers under the age of 40 rate poor mental health as the biggest hidden problem faced by farmers.

Asking for help early, and knowing where to get support, is crucial - and is something that CLA Healthcare can help to address. We can help find the right healthcare and wellbeing solutions. Our advisers understand the needs of rural people, from landowners to farmers and rural employees to business owners.

Research suggests that getting treatment early can make a big difference when tackling some of the most prevalent diseases, but encouraging men to seek help is not always easy.

Men’s Health Awareness Month has listed the three biggest threats to men’s health: Suicide – Globally, one man dies of suicide every single minute.

Prostate cancer – This is the most commonly diagnosed cancer

among men in the UK, where more than 335,000 men are living with the disease.

Testicular cancer – This is the number one cancer among young men. When caught early, testicular cancer is highly treatable and curable. The survival rate in the UK is 95%. However, many men don’t know how to check themselves.

Five top tips for men that can reduce the impact and occurrence of these threats:

1 2 3

Stay connected – Spend time with people who make you feel good.

Talk more – Listening can be life-saving.

Know the numbers – At 50, talk to your doctor about prostate cancer. If you are of African or Caribbean descent, or have a brother or father who has had prostate cancer, you should be having the conversation at 45.

Check your testicles – Go to the doctor if something doesn’t feel right.

Move – Be more active.

4 5

CLA Healthcare can advise on a range of healthcare solutions for rural businesses and individuals, including a special arrangement with Bupa.

GET IN TOUCH For more information contact CLA Healthcare on 01274 717361 or email healthcare@cla.org.uk.

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CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

CHRISTMAS IDEAS

Devon Rum

Just Slate Dogs have taken centre stage in many houses over the last 18 months, and for those dog lovers, Just Slate has a lovely range of sustainable oak serving boards, coasters, bottle stoppers and bottle openers with dogs engraved onto them. With spaniel, dachshund, labrador, cocker spaniel or cockapoo to choose from, they make

great dog lover gifts. The 30cm serving boards are handcrafted and engraved, and perfect for serving cheese or canapes on. All products are made in Scotland from sustainable oak, with the boards priced at £36, the coasters at £18, the bottle stoppers £14 and the bottle openers £16.

Put a smile on any rum fan’s face with Devon Rum’s rum cocktail gift set. Each box contains everything you need to create the Devon Stormy Cocktail, as well as a scrumptious bag of spiced rum and raisin fudge, made in Devon using our award-winning premium spiced rum.

The Devon Stormy is a refreshingly simple drink that combines our premium spiced rum with ginger beer and lime. Serve it in a highball glass with plenty of ice for a quick cocktail that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

07940 753 348 devonrumcompany.com

justslate.co.uk 01592 656113

Handmade with Love by Hilary

SilverRipples Jewellery SilverRipples Jewellery is the perfect gift for those who love something individual and handmade, who have a passion for sparkly textured silver or who like to wear bold yet uncomplicated and elegant designs.

Every piece is handmade in the UK using traditional silversmithing tools and techniques, and responsibly-sourced silver and gemstones. Some pieces are produced in small batches and many are one-of-a-kind, so you can give your loved one a unique present. Visit the website to learn more about the inspiration behind the designs and to find out more about commissioning a bespoke piece.

silverripplesjewellery.co.uk info@silverripplesjewellery.co.uk

Handmade in a workshop on a family farm in North Devon, Handmade with Love by Hilary products are bespoke, unique and crafted with love, with an emphasis on what is great about our wonderful country and its countryside. As a farmer’s daughter, Hilary’s designs are ‘classically traditional country with a twist, and support British agriculture through the use of British tweeds, heritage fabrics and other sustainable materials.

Her creations offer quintessentially timeless elegance and are a way of life, rather than a trend.

handmadewithlovebyhilary.co.uk

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So! Handmade in Devon

Tanners Wines Tanners Wines have Christmas covered. The Tanners six mixed case is a star selection of wines that is the perfect gift for the person who has everything. It includes six of Tanners’ bestselling house wines, made by some of the best winemakers in the world and including a range of styles to suit every palate.

Every wine in the case hits the mark on taste and value.

In addition to old favourites, such as Tanners Malbec, are two new additions from Chile: a delicious chardonnay packed full of ripe exotic fruits, and a smooth cabernet sauvignon with blackcurrant aromas.

Why not treat yourself at the same time, too?

Accessories for you and your home that won’t cost the earth.

All items are handmade using waste and surplus fabric from local businesses, which historically would have been destined for landfill. You can view all of So! Handmade in Devon’s lovely makes on its website.

07484 756299 or 07984 138959 sohandmadeindevon.co.uk info@sohandmadeindevon.co.uk

01743 234455 tanners-wines.co.uk

Christmas gift guide

Frog and Florets Make a difference with Frog and Florets homeware, handmade in Devon. Create your own seasonal magic with scented snowflakes, Christmas trees and pine cones; add height and lights with candle and tealight holders and hanging baubles; pop garden greenery into glass tube vases, roll napkins into rings, and hand out crackers – and ‘just a little something’ gifts.

Visit our online shop for details and bespoke orders.

07919411436 frogandfl orets.co.uk

Classique Feathers Classique Feathers offers handmade gifts from shooting by-products – including feather hat pins, fedora hats, feather home decor, cartridge and rifl e jewellery, antler gifts, shooting gifts and country fashion.

Feathers are sourced throughout the shooting season in line with the Wildlife and Countryside Act, while spent cartridges are sourced from local shoots and clay grounds.

Are you going to be shooting your first bird? Why not have a pin made from the feathers and the cartridge as a memory of the day? Bespoke orders welcome.

classiquefeathers.com classiquefeathers@gmail.com

Get your Christmas shopping sorted early with this selection of presents and stocking fillers cla.org.uk

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EXC LU MEM SIVE DISC BER THE OUNT O MY2 2 HI FF LUX Dis . othe counts f or r mo avai dels are lable

BER M E M FER OF

Iconic pick up

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Toyota is offering CLA members fantastic discounts on the MY22 Hilux

he new Hilux has an extremely strong body frame and body structure, ensuring ultimate toughness. Combined with a striking new design, it’s the perfect statement of Hilux power and style.

Rigorous testing and unique component design, honed over half a century, have resulted in a unique vehicle that can tackle even the toughest terrain.

The Hilux is fitted with an advanced safety system, Toyota Safety Sense, which uses both camera and

laser technology to keep you protected whatever the adventure. This set of advanced active safety technologies includes an advanced pre-collision system, road sign assist, lane departure alert with steering control, intelligent cruise control and a trailer sway control.

Additional discounts are also available on other vehicles within the Toyota and Lexus ranges, including Proace, Corolla Hybrid, the all-new NX Lexus and much more.

MEMBER OFFER To obtain your CLA member discount, please follow this simple process: Visit any Toyota authorised dealer, inform them that you wish to purchase a vehicle using the CLA’s specially agreed discount terms and quote your CLA membership number.

CLA discount rates, vehicle availability and lead-time information, and will also be able to source the vehicle for you and see it through to hand-over.

Your nominated dealer will then give you current prices,

When placing an order, your dealer will complete

an approval form that must be authorised by the CLA. For any enquiries regarding the order process or current discounts available, please email Caroline King at caroline.king@cla.org.uk.

TERMS & CONDITIONS: These offers are open to all current landowning or business and professional members who have been in membership for at least a year or new members paying their membership subscriptions by annual direct debit. Vehicles acquired through the scheme must be for the member’s personal use or that of their business. For full terms and conditions of this offer, please visit the member offers section of our website cla.org.uk by clicking on offers.

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traditionally handcrafted oak framed buildings OAK FRAMED GARAGES & OUTBUILDINGS, ANNEXES & GARDEN COTTAGES, CABINS & LODGES, GARDEN OFFICES & SUMMERHOUSES, GAZEBOS AND PAVILIONS. cla.org.uk

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01544 260 727

www.radnoroak.co.uk

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IN YOUR AREA

Cymru/ Wales news

A Rural Wales – an excellent climate for green growth

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he CLA is running its own ‘rural COP26’ in Wales’ capital, which will feature a keynote address to members and guests from Welsh Government Minister for Climate Change Julie James MS. We will also hear about a pioneering project to understand and control carbon management on the Rhug Estate’s farms and diversified businesses, and hear more about the future role trees have in contributing to national priorities from Anthony Geddes, Director of Confor Wales.

CLA Cymru will also outline its five-year strategy for the rural economy.

Finally, we will hear from Caryl Jones, Wales Chair at the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs, about the expectations and commitment of the next generation of Welsh land managers. There will be plenty of opportunities for discussion and debate.

The free event will be a rare opportunity to meet and hear from senior member officers from the CLA. It will take place on 17 November at the Future Inn, Cardiff and includes a buffet lunch and free parking, but spaces are limited. You can find out more and register on the CLA website, or call 01547 317085.

meeting with Welsh Government’s Climate Change Minister Julie James MS (right) has highlighted how important this new department is, and how we can work together for mutual benefit.

Her remit is tackling climate change, but in managing this, Julie is responsible for the environment, Natural Resources Wales, National Parks, energy, planning, transport, tree planting, the National Forest and more. She will be engaging with Westminster and attending COP26 this month.

Her department is also coordinating COP Wales through regional events showcasing good practice and running expert panels, and the CLA will be involved.

During the meeting, she explained that Wales can’t solve a global problem alone, but it can’t ignore it, either.

Front of mind is our small nation status in meeting a global and local challenge.

From the land manager perspective, we stressed the need for credible evidence to secure buy-in to government strategy, which needs to be aligned with the wider international community.

IMAGE: ISTOCK, SHUTTERSTOCK, ALAMY

Doing business with Wales’ climate change minister

Meet us at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair The Royal Welsh Winter Fair on 29 to 30 November looks set to be a welcome reunion for the rural community, a showcase for Welsh agriculture to the general public, and a place to debate the future of agriculture and rural business. CLA Cymru will be there and is looking forward to meeting

members, their guests and other visitors, and provide helpful, timely advice. Find more information about what we have planned for the the CLA Cymru pavilion on the CLA website events page.

Find out more about the Winter Fair and book tickets here: rwas.wales/winter-fair

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CLA CYMRU DIRECTOR NIGEL HOLLETT nigel.hollett@cla.org.uk 01547 317085 @CLAWales

CLA CYMRU Orbit Business Centre Rhydycar Business Park Merthyr Tydfil CF48 1DL

The minister agreed that an effective process to measure carbon emissions, management and sequestration is vital.

Government and land managers alike want to see a management and trading scheme that taps into global resources and is consistently regulated.

The government also wants to work with companies looking to manage their footprint, which includes farms looking to offset their emissions and meet retailers’ requirements, and those looking to take

advantage of a carbon management surplus.

The Welsh Government is concerned about land being sold to companies to plant trees, which can have a negative social, economic and environmental impact.

Julie explained that the Welsh Sustainable Farming Scheme – set to replace the Common Agricultural Policy in 2025 - has a social element to it owing to the wider social objectives of her department. The departmental goals overlap with those of the rural affairs team, led by Lesley

Griffiths MS. It’s vital this scheme dovetails with its counterpart in England, not only for the sake of the more than 700 cross-border farms, but also to best serve the UK single market.

It appears the Welsh Government does not propose to implement open access to land, which has been a concern to our members. The government would like to improve rights of way, working with landowners where they are interested. This is particularly true in terms of the proposed National Forest – set to be a network of woodlands

across Wales with wildlife corridors – which has appropriate public access for recreation and education with the landowners’ permission. While the Welsh Government is eager for National Parks (and possibly a new one in North East Wales) to protect and enhance the environment, the minister is committed to seeing flourishing communities within the designated areas.

You can read more about this meeting by visiting cla.org.uk/wales-news/ we-can-do-business-withwales-climate-changeminister.

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Bog bounty Members recently enjoyed a walk and talk in North Wales as part of a natural capital event series.

Members found out about the management of a large lowland, historically-drained raised bog on the Fenn’s, Whixxall and Bettisfield

Mosses Nature Reserve.

Landowner Edward Wardle discussed the site’s experience and challenges in peat restoration, carbon sequestration and trading, tree planting, inland water management and public access issues.

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IN YOUR AREA

South East news

Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire, Surrey, Sussex

CLACT helps South East groups

T

h hree organisations i ti iin th the S South th East have received more than £10,000 in total in the latest round of funding from the CLA Charitable Trust (CLACT).

Andover Trees United, a community woodland group in Hampshire, has been awarded £5,000 to help build a classroom cabin and volunteer base.

The cabin is located at Harmony Woods, a 10-year planting project involving thousands of children in the transformation of 12 acres of land on the outskirts of Andover.

Youth advisor Dmitrijs Meiksans says: “The community has been at the heart and centre of the charity since its creation, and the community’s

involvement with the cabin project is no less the same.”

Another successful recipient is Huckleberries Nurture Farm CIC, near Elstead, Surrey. It has been awarded nearly £4,000 to help cover running costs such as bedding, animal feed and veterinary care.

Children are usually referred to Huckleberries because they need extra support in their social or emotional wellbeing. From June 2020 to April 2021, the organisation worked with more than 80 children, providing 2,528 hours of therapeutic care.

Director Beverley Cook says: “The generous grant will have a big impact

and represents a significant amount of our feed, bedding and veterinary costs.

In a small organisation like Huckleberries everything is interconnected and feeding the goats for two years really does have a direct impact on the children’s wellbeing, so thank you from all of us.”

One parent of a child who had been to Huckleberries said: “She has experienced such freedom and joy. I’ve seen her light turn back on.”

London-based Youth on the Move has also been awarded £3,000 to help it run countryside trips for youngsters in the capital.

Bridget Biddell, Chair of CLACT, says she is “delighted” that the projects had been supported, as their work is central to the aims of the trust.

Since its foundation in 1980, CLACT has given £1.9m to a wide variety of organisations. Apply or donate via cla.org.uk/about-cla/charitable-trust.

Two new branch chairs Two of the CLA’s branches in the South East have welcomed new chairs. In Kent, Charles Tassell has replaced Gary Walters in the role, while on the Isle of Wight, Colin Boswell has succeeded Laurence Taylor.

They began their three-year tenures at branch committee meetings last month – please see next month’s magazine for full profiles of the new chairs.

We would like to extend our grateful thanks to Gary and Laurence for their service, dedication, hard work and ideas over the last few years.

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CLA SOUTH EAST Fosse House, East Anton Court, Icknield Way, Andover, Hants SP10 5RG

REGIONAL DIRECTOR TIM BAMFORD 01264 313434 tim.bamford@cla.org.uk @CLASouthEast

AGM round-up Hundreds of members enjoyed tours of farms, homes and gardens, as well as drinks receptions, lunches and suppers, during our recent round of eight AGMs in the South East.

Each county branch enjoyed an inperson gathering – the first time many

members had seen each other for at least 18 months.

We started in Kent at Highland Court Farm, followed by Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, More House Farm in Sussex and Cranfield University for Buckinghamshire. We then enjoyed visits

to Stansted Park in Hampshire, Hampton Estate in Surrey, West Woodhay House in Berkshire and Bembridge Sailing Club on the Isle of Wight.

We would like to thank all of our event partners, hosts, speakers and attendees for their support.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Hedging and Woodland Plants THE CLA AND ROYAL ISLE OF WIGHT AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY will be judging the entries to the 2021 Isle of Wight Rural Awards this month. Thank you to everyone who took the time to apply or nominate – the winners will be announced and publicised in due course.

WITH NIGHTS DRAWING IN, rural areas can provide rich pickings for criminals – please make an extra effort to protect your home, land and property.

CLA SOUTH EAST IS ENCOURAGING the public to buy locally-grown Christmas trees this festive season to support rural businesses and help the environment by cutting tree miles.

cla.org.uk

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LAND & BUSINESS | NOVEMBER 2021 61

19/10/2021 17:03

IN YOUR AREA

South West news Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire

Update from our regional advisers

O

ur regional adviser team has been busy responding to the significant interest from members about the Sustainable Farming Incentive pilots and the English Woodland Creation Offer.

They have also been responding to queries on wayleaves, broadband connection, pheasant damage and natural capital compensation. Matters concerning livestock and access also continue, along with planning issues.

We have also attended several stakeholder meetings and engagement events across the region, including the Dorset Fly Tipping Partnership and Clean Devon Partnership, where a Dartmoor-based flytipping campaign was launched.

The campaign is aimed at highlighting the misery the crime causes landowners on the moor. We also attended a Somerset Catchment Partnership

meeting and the Wessex Area rail forum, where discussion focused on an advertising campaign relating to livestock trespass on the railway.

Territory Manager Jason Evans and Rural Surveyor Claire Wright were on hand at the Dairy Show in the Bath & West Showground at the beginning

Online advisory hours During lockdown and until the spring of 2021, the CLA South West team held several online sessions for members to speak with our advisory team. These hour-long sessions featured a regional and national policy update from the

team before opening up the fl oor to questions from members.

Following the success of these digital sessions, we are bringing them back this winter. Whether you have queries about planning, access, natural capital or

of October. The CLA marquee, which offered light refreshments, was a welcome stop-off for visitors to the show, which saw a bumper crowd of land managers from the dairy sector attend. The team welcomed many members from our region and members further afield and discussed matters of concern, including carbon accounting, planning and the current issues in the supply chain.

rural crime, our team will be on hand to help.

We have three dates currently available: Thursday 18 November, 12pm Thursday 16 December, 5.30pm Tuesday 18 January, 12pm These sessions are held

on Zoom, and you can book online via the CLA website. Should you wish to send questions in advance, please email southwest@cla.org.uk.

Of course, if you are unable to make these sessions online, our team is always at the other end of the phone to answer your queries.

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CLA SOUTH WEST Manor Farm Stables, Biddestone, Wiltshire SN14 7DH

Project Gigabit Project Gigabit is a £5bn government scheme that aims to upgrade digital infrastructure in hard-toreach rural areas. The target is that 85% of the country will have access by 2025.

This project looks to level up the difference in broadband connection between builtup urban areas and more remote rural areas.

This project looks to run from 2023, once contracts of commencement have been agreed.

There is also an increase in funding to the government’s Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme, which means that individuals do not have to wait until Project Gigabit is available in their area.

The voucher scheme makes it easier for rural residents to afford the

installation of gigabit broadband, with vouchers worth £1,500 for residents and £3,500 for businesses.

There are other voucher schemes available. Please contact the regional office if you would like to find out what schemes may be available in your area.

For further information on this, and to find out when Project Gigabit is planning to be in your area, visit projectgigabit. campaign.gov.uk.

IMAGE: ISTOCK, SHUTTERSTOCK

Wild swimming A report by Outdoor Swimmer magazine notes that searches for the term ‘wild swimming’ increased by 94% between 2019 and 2020, with 45% of swimmers increasing how much they swim outdoors.

We would be interested to hear about your experiences with wild swimmers on your land during the last 18 months.

Please email the team at southwest@cla.org.uk if you would like to share your experiences.

cla.org.uk

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REGIONAL DIRECTOR ANN MAIDMENT 01249 700200 ann.maidment@cla.org.uk @CLASouthwest

South West regional committee We held our South West regional committee in person in September. This was the first time since January 2020 that the committee had met outside of Zoom.

Topics of discussion included the National Food Strategy, agricultural transition and new entrants. We also discussed a paper on nitrate neutrality and if it had become an issue in development. This followed correspondence by Natural England to all local authorities in Somerset raising concern about the high levels of phosphates in the Somerset Levels and Moors RAMSAR site. The CLA is seeking to establish how widespread the issue of nitrate neutrality is across England and Wales.

The committee also welcomed Rupert Ashby, CLA Director of Membership and Regions, who updated the committee on membership matters.

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19/10/2021 17:06

IN YOUR AREA

Midlands news Cheshire, Derbyshire, Herefordshire, Leicestershire, Rutland Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire

CLA advisers on tour

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here’s no substitute for practical experience, and it’s important that our advisers keep up to date with farming and land management developments on the ground to enhance the industry-leading support that CLA members can benefit from.

To this end, regional advisers from across England and Wales recently got together in Herefordshire to catch

up, share news and discuss ideas and visit some of the county’s inspiring landowners and farmers.

The first day kicked off with a whistlestop tour of Townsend Farm with CLA member Ben Taylor-Davies to look at how he puts regenerative agriculture into practice. It was also an opportunity to see the impressive range of projects and income streams Ben is, or will soon be, implementing.

The advisers then visited White Heron Drinks for a tour of the Whittern estate with the enthusiastic and knowledgeable Jo Hilditch, former

CLA county chair and High Sheriff of Herefordshire. It was great to see such a diverse business, hear about how it’s adapting for the future and how it works with environmental schemes to benefit wildlife. And, of course, we got to sample some of its fabulous cassis.

A quick tour to a local cider company, The Orgasmic Cider Company, was the last stop on day one.

The second day saw the team focus on issues relating to phosphates and the River Wye. Three local farmers talked about how the issues affect them and their farm business, and how they are looking to be part of the solution. It was also an opportunity to discuss how the moratorium on planning was impacting landowners trying to plan for the future.

We are grateful to everyone who spared their time and shared their knowledge, and look forward to our Welsh colleagues hosting next year’s trip.

Branch committee update There have been several changes on our branch committees as terms come to an end. Details can be found below, and a complete list of your local branch members can be found in the Midlands section of the CLA website.

Leicestershire & Rutland Rachel Walker replaces Andrew Moffat as Chair.

Warwickshire Alex Robinson replaces Thomas WheatleyHubbard as Chair.

Staffordshire Michael Eld is the new Chair, replacing Paul Wolferstan who becomes President upon Piers Monckton’s retirement.

Cheshire Edward Trevor-Barnston replaces Ross Houlden as Chair, with Annabel Farbon elected Vice Chair.

Worcestershire Iain Morrison is the new Chair, replacing Nicholas Lechmere who becomes President upon Yan

Our branch committee members play a vital role in helping to formulate national policy and ensure the views and concerns of

Gittins’ retirement.

members in the Midlands are taken into account by CLA national lobbying.

If you are considering putting yourself forward for your branch committee and would like to attend as an observer, we can accommodate a small number of members at future meetings. Please contact Jan Hewes on jan.hewes@cla.org.uk or 01785 337010.

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CLA MIDLANDS Knightley, Woodseaves, Staffordshire ST20 0JW

REGIONAL DIRECTOR MARK RICHES 01785 337010 mark.riches@cla.org.uk @CLAMidlands

Cheshire and Derbyshire AGMs

We had originally planned to hold a joint event at National Trust Lyme for Cheshire and Derbyshire, but ended with two separate and equally enjoyable visits to this stunning estate, where members enjoyed tours of the gardens, parklands, hall – and roof. Members also heard from CLA Director General Sarah Hendry and Vice President Victoria Vyvyan.

Guidance notes Recently published and available for download from the advice section of the CLA website are: Low-carbon heating options for rural homes: an overview of the seven main heating types: air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, biomass boilers, infra-red, high heat retention storage heaters, electric radiators and LPG. List of Legal Precedents (England): some of the draft precedents that the CLA’s professional legal service may be able to provide to members as part of a package of tailored advice.

Non-domestic buildings: EPCs and MEES: an overview of EPCs and MEES for non-domestic properties, including when a property needs to comply, exemptions and FAQs. PUBROW: Rights and Responsibilities: information for those who have public rights of way across their land, to help members understand their rights and responsibilities in relation to the management of PROW. Using QR Codes on signage: information on how Quick Response (QR) Codes and other similar technologies can be used by land managers to positively engage with users of the countryside accessing public rights of way through signage.

cla.org.uk

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IN YOUR AREA

North news

Cleveland, Cumbria, Durham, Lancashire, Northumberland, Yorkshire

Farming in Protected Landscapes funding

Defra’s Janet Hughes (left) visits Hundayfield Farm, below Church Farm

Defra’s Janet Hughes visits CLA members

T

he CLA North team, along with members in the Outer York area, hosted a visit from Defra’s Janet Hughes, Programme Director for the Future Farming and Countryside Programme, at the end of September.

The purpose of the visit was for Janet to familiarise herself with the varied work our members undertake while discussing concerns and queries about the roll-out of Environmental Land Management schemes.

Members visited include: David and Clive Blacker at Church Farm, David Lister at Ellenthorpe Farm, Nick Wilson at Hundayfield Farm and Caroline Taylor at Thorpe Trees.

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CLA North Director Lucinda Douglas says: “It is, and will be, of key importance for Defra officials to have an in-depth appreciation and understanding of farmers and their varied operations. It will be crucial to apply this knowledge in developing a practical and workable replacement for the Basic Payment Scheme.”

Key points and ‘asks’ raised by members during the visits included: Ease of access for all who want to engage with the schemes Flexibility in land management options Lighter touch regulation that is proportionate and risk based Support for farm efficiency and new technologies Engagement with landlords and tenants together Recognise the long-term investments made across the industry, and the lack of supply in the arboricultural sector for tree planting schemes.

The Farming in Protected Landscapes programme is part of Defra’s Agricultural Transition Plan, offering funding to farmers and land managers in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), National Parks (NPs) and the Broads. It is not an agri-environment scheme.

In the North, the landscapes include the Yorkshire Dales NP, Solway Coast AONB, North York Moors NP, Northumberland NP, Northumberland Coast AONB, Peak District NP, North Pennines AONB, Nidderdale AONB, Lake District National Park, Howardian Hills AONB, Forest of Bowland AONB and Arnside and Silverdale AONB.

The programme will fund projects that: Support nature recovery Mitigate impacts of climate change Provide opportunities for people to discover, enjoy and understand the landscape and its cultural heritage Support nature-friendly, sustainable farm businesses Applications for the first year of funding should be made before 31 January 2022, and grant funding decisions will be made every month.

The funding scheme will run until March 2024.

Members can discuss this and other funding opportunities with CLA North Adviser Libby Bateman by calling 01748 90 7070.

cla.org.uk

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CLA NORTH Aske Stables, Aske, Richmond, North Yorkshire DL10 5HG

Visit to Lancashire members CLA North Regional Surveyor Robert Frewen, along with CLA North Director Lucinda Douglas, recently visited members in Lancashire. The visit was to discuss member experiences of flooding, which is a significant issue in the west of the county.

The first stop was to see Miles Silcock, who farms on the River Alt, north of Liverpool. He talked about his frustration with the Environment Agency’s (EA) works on flood problems in the area, a problem that was evident throughout the trip.

Robert and Lucinda then travelled north to the River Jamie Baybutt, CLA Crossens, where Lancashire Lancashire Branch committee committee member Amy member Amy Hargreaves and Lucinda Douglas Hargreaves had arranged for several local farmers to come for lunch to meet the team. They then discussed the problems caused by the EA’s withdrawal from drainage work and the need for a drainage board to replace it.

The final visit was to Andrew Hull, who farms near Cockerham, north of Preston. The principal issues centred around EA maintenance of the water courses.

Andrew showed Lucinda the outfall of the River Cocker that discharges onto the salt marshes, where new doors are needed to prevent salt water running upstream at high tide, but which open effectively at low tide to allow the farmland to drain properly.

The visits were interesting and informative, giving a clear understanding of what is needed at a national level in terms of CLA policy and lobbying on water management, as well as being an enjoyable opportunity to meet more members.

The UK Government has published a Flood and Coastal Erosion Investment Plan, which sets out how new fl ood and coastal schemes will better protect thousands of properties by 2027.

The government has committed £5.2bn of investment over the next six years, with £860m spent in 2021-22 going towards boosting design and construction of 1,000 schemes across England. A fl ood-risk checker might be a useful tool for members affected by fl ooding. Visit gov.uk/check-fl ood-risk.

REGIONAL DIRECTOR LUCINDA DOUGLAS 01748 907070 lucinda.douglas@cla.org.uk @CLANorth

CLA at the Yorkshire Post’s Country Week Conference Four members of CLA staff represented farmers and landowners at the inaugural Country Week Conference, held virtually in October, to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing farming and the countryside.

Expert panelists (and their topics) from the CLA included: CLA North Director Lucinda Douglas (rural economy), CLA East Rural Surveyor Alison

Provis (diversification), CLA North Rural Adviser Libby Bateman (connectivity), and CLA National Access Adviser Sophie Dwerryhouse (access and tourism).

BBC broadcaster Harry Gration chaired the event.

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IN YOUR AREA

East news

Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Lincolnshire, Middlesex, Norfolk, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Suffolk

Suffolk care farm to benefit from funding boost

T

he charity that runs Depden Care Farm in Suffolk has been awarded £5,000 from the CLA Charitable Trust (CLACT) to support its work.

CLACT is funded almost entirely by subscriptions and donations from CLA members. It provides grants to charities and community organisations across England and Wales that share its vision to help connect young people who are disabled or disadvantaged with the countryside.

The Millennium Farm Trust, which runs Depden Care Farm, will be using the funding to complete of a network of accessible all-weather paths around the farm.

The farm gives young adults who have learning disabilities or acquired brain injuries the opportunity to learn skills in agriculture, horticulture and animal husbandry.

Tim Freathy, Director of Depden Care Farm, says: “The path network here at the farm is a real game changer. It enables people to participate in farming life who otherwise wouldn’t be able to join in, simply because their mobility doesn’t allow them to.

“Thanks to the help provided by CLACT, these paths will change that. It’s amazing to see what a relatively simple modification to farm infrastructure can do for the health and wellbeing of those who come here.”

Bridget Biddell, Chair of CLACT, adds: “Depden Care Farm provides a crucial service and its work enhances the knowledge and understanding of farming for those who visit. We are proud to be able to support its work and are delighted that the CLACT has been able to support the funding towards their accessible path.”

CLA East autumn visits provide unique days out for members CLA East would like to thank all members who attended our recent autumn visits. These included trips to spectacular locations that provided unique and informative days out.

In Essex, members enjoyed a tour of Ingatestone Hall, a 16th-century manor house built by Sir William Petre, secretary of state to four Tudor monarchs. The day included an industry update from CLA Vice President Victoria Vyvyan.

Knebworth Estates was the location for our autumn visit in Hertfordshire,

with members having the opportunity to explore the spectacular Deer Park and hear from CLA Deputy President Mark Tufnell.

CLA President Mark Bridgeman joined two sold-out visits to Dyson Farming, which provided an opportunity to go behind the scenes of the agricultural company owned by Sir James Dyson and his family.

Visits to Chippenham Park in Cambridgeshire and Helmingham Hall in Suffolk concluded the autumn visits for the year.

CLA East Regional Director Cath Crowther says: “It has been an absolute delight to be out and about meeting our members again and visiting some wonderful venues. I would like to thank everyone who joined us during these visits, the sponsors who supported the days, and our hosts who made each visit so special.”

Farming conference returns The East of England Farming Conference returns to the East of England Showground in Peterborough on 18 November.

Tickets for the conference are now on sale. CLA members can receive a 10% discount on the ticket price by using the code EoEFC21CLA when booking. Visit eoefarmingconference.co.uk.

IMAGES: ISTOCK

Bean planting at Depden Care Farm

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CLA EAST The Court, Lanwades Business Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7PN

Farm for the Future programme The Prince’s Countryside Fund is inviting farm businesses in Lincolnshire to join its new Farm for the Future programme. This is being delivered both virtually and by local farm support groups in 11 regions across England, and is funded by Defra.

The programme will help farms to better understand how the Agricultural Transition Plan will affect the future of their business. Farm for the Future will provide business support so farmers can manage the upcoming changes, make informed decisions about their future, and discover opportunities with the Environmental Land Management schemes that may financially and practically benefit the farm.

The programme consists of a welcome meeting, two workshops, and one-to-one support.

Any tenant or owner-occupied farm currently in receipt of Basic Payment Scheme funding in England is eligible to join. For more information and to express interest in taking part, visit princescountrysidefund.org. uk/farmforthefuture.

REGIONAL DIRECTOR CATH CROWTHER 01638 590429 cath.crowther@cla.org.uk @CLAEast

Beavers released into Norfolk river enclosure Two adult beavers, a male and female, have been released into a specially-designed six-hectare enclosure on private land in the headwaters of a North Norfolk chalk stream.

The release, led by the North Norfolk Rivers Trust, follows licensing approval from Natural England and the successful completion of a crowdfunder.

The project is looking at the impact that beavers can have on improving the health and function of river catchments through their dam creation and digging of canals.

Freephone: 0800 328 5492 Email: sales@allertonuk.com Website: www.allertonuk.com

The Dependable Choice in Drainage In rural areas without a mains drainage system, and where septic tanks will no longer reach environmental standards, Allerton can provide the ideal solution.

Trading since 1974, Allerton are leading specialists in efficient treatment systems. They pride themselves on their individual, problem solving approach to dealing with alternative means of treating and disposing of raw sewage.

Water abstraction licence review The Environment Agency has launched a consultation that outlines a new charging regime for water abstraction licences from April 2022. The proposals revise how both the licence application fee and the annual charge are calculated.

The impact of the proposed changes on licence holders will vary

depending on water usage, location and timing of licence renewal.

The CLA is eager to understand the impact of the changes on members.

Members are encouraged to contact CLA East Adviser Rachel Brooks on rachel.brooks@cla.org.uk to express their views.

The consultation runs until 10 November.

The Allerton ConSept converts your existing Septic Tank or Cesspit into a fully functioning Sewage Treatment Plant.

The Diamond Sewage Treatment range is suitable for either individual homes or small population applications

When Gravity Drainage is not possible choose Allerton Pumping Stations for Sewage or Dirty Water

Servicing & Maintenance on a wide range of Sewage Treatment Plant and Pump Stations by BRITISH WATER ACCREDITED ENGINEERS.

ACCREDITED ENGINEERS

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INDUSTRY SNAPSHOT

FORESTRY

Forest Carbon Forest Carbon exists to make financially unattractive woodland creation projects attractive. We do this by providing landowners with supplementary funding, raised from the sale of their project’s carbon.

As project developers, we’ve taken more than 140 projects through the Woodland Carbon Code – enabling the planting of more than 9.5m trees

Euroforest Euroforest is the UK’s largest independent provider of timber harvesting and marketing services.

It has extensive experience in maximising returns for clients, working from regional offices

– and partnered with hundreds of businesses to generate demand for carbon credits from UK woodlands.

To date, we’ve sold 90% of all the carbon credits generated under the Woodland Carbon Code, so there is no-one more experienced to help you create new woodlands for carbon capture.

forestcarbon.co.uk

located from the far north of Scotland to Devon and the Channel coast. It offers a unique level of service, capability and professionalism to a broad spectrum of forestry owners, state forestry services, large private estates, investment trusts and professional forestry managers, as well as community associations and farmers with shelter belts.

Euroforest’s approach delivers an impartial, fully independent service to the grower in search of a smooth product flow from harvesting to marketing and transport, maximising the financial yield from a woodland.

euroforest.co.uk

English Woodlands English Woodlands has been supplying landowners, foresters and farmers across the south of England with healthy, good quality trees for more than 75 years and has a great team of knowledgeable advisers to help clients choose the right plants and protection for their site. As one of the first UK nurseries to achieve Plant Healthy status in 2020, clients are assured of the health and quality of our plants – a vital requirement for a successful planting scheme. A reliable delivery service ensures the plants arrive on time and in perfect condition.

englishwoodlands.com

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Tilhill Tilhill is the UK’s leading forest management, woodland creation and timber harvesting company. It is a national company that operates from a network of offices across the UK, offering a full range of forestry, harvesting and marketing services to woodland and forest owners, including those wishing to purchasing property, with our specialist investment team.

Tilhill also specialises in selling woodland-generated carbon units through CarbonStore, which links landowners looking to sell carbon units with companies needing to offset residual carbon emissions. It is recognised as a trusted partner in the woodland carbon market.

tilhill.com carbonstoreuk.com enquiries@tilhill.com

Makita Leading power tool and garden machinery manufacturer Makita has a wide range of cordless, petrol engine and corded machines that are suited to any task. All Makita machines have been cleverly designed and engineered to ensure ease of use, safe operation and consistent performance to improve user productivity.

For those looking to maximise flexibility on site, Makita now has more than 70 cordless outdoor power equipment tools within its innovative LXT battery platform. With LXT, professionals can benefit from lower noise and vibration levels, reduced maintenance and zero emissions, as well as the high power and performance needed to tackle the many outdoor tasks and applications they face on a day-to-day basis.

makitauk.com

Trees Please

Protecting the UK’s trees from pests and diseases is crucial as an ever-widening diversity of plants and plant material is now traded internationally. Trees Please is a Plant Healthy accredited UK grower of 15m trees annually. Its trees undergo regular biosecurity checks while they are in our care to minimise the risk of the introduction, spread and impact of tree pests and diseases on our stock.

Additionally, we are investing in our own seed orchards, seed collecting and processing facilities.

This will secure our supply of improved planting stock and ensure sustainability in the business, as well as diversity in the environment.

01434 633049 treesplease.co.uk

Nicholsons Forestry Nicholsons Forestry offers a complete woodland and tree management service, providing straightforward and bespoke support to landowners.

We focus on delivering a service that meets all client objectives, from woodland creation to management.

We advise on species choice and site suitability, and protection from browsing mammals such as deer and rabbits. We also offer a

full maintenance regime until the trees have established.

Our professional foresters are passionate about supporting landowners to develop and manage woodlands. We work with clients to create plans for sustainable management operations that will develop over time.

01869 340342 forestry@nicholsonsgb.com

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IN FOCUS

Tax advisers & accountants FINANCIAL ADVICE

Financial advice for your personal and business needs

For 150 years we have worked as agricultural accountants with farmers and landowners across the region. Our team combine technical expertise with personal experience and working knowledge of the current challenges facing farms and estates, making our advice practical and sound. Put simply, we are trusted by farmers and landowners throughout Dorset, Devon and Somerset – as well as further afield – to provide a fresh commercial perspective. Agricultural Accounting is our passion.

Albert Goodman 01823 286096 Sam.Kirkham@albertgoodman.co.uk

Hazlewoods Farms and Estates team Owning and running a farm or landed estate is not just a business. It is a way of life. We understand that way of life and the challenges that it brings.

Our specialist team will deliver high quality, practical accountancy and tax advice that is tailor made for you and your business.

Hazlewoods Business Advisers & Chartered Accountants 01242 680000 hazlewoods.co.uk Hazlewoods LLP is a Limited Liability Partnership registered in England and Wales with number OC311817. Registered office: Staverton Court, Staverton, Cheltenham, Glos, GL51 0UX. A list of LLP partners is available for inspection at each office.

Hazlewoods LLP is registered to carry on audit work in the UK and regulated for a range of investment business activities by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales.

Larking Gowen has years of experience in agriculture, with 6 offices across Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex, and the expertise to guide you through investment, diversification, succession, tax planning and more, whatever the size of your business. We’ll be there to see you through the good times and the challenges. We forge long-term relationships, often through generations of families, and deliver timely advice at every stage. All your accountancy needs, with a friendly one-to-one service.

Our specialist agriculture team has unrivalled experience in dealing with the needs of farming and rural businesses of all types and sizes. We pride ourselves on a personalised approach, getting to know our clients and, hopefully, becoming not just accountants, but trusted family advisors and mentors.

Larking Gowen Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors 01603 624181 larking-gowen.co.uk

Ensors Graham Page - Agricultural partner 01284 722300 graham.page@ensors.co.uk

WR Partners are a leading firm of Accountants, Business Advisers and Tax Specialists. We don’t provide off the shelf solutions.

We work collaboratively with our clients to ensure that we understand all the challenges they face as a business so we can maximise their profits & wealth.

We support agricultural and rural businesses, as well as pushing and challenging them where needed. By working alongside our clients, in partnership we aim to grow great businesses together.

WR Partners 08000 664 664 hello@wrpartners.co.uk

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Led by two partners who have a wealth of experience, our substantial team of staff is based across the region, providing vital local knowledge.

PKF Smith Cooper is an award-winning accountancy and business advisory firm, offering land, property and business owners in rural England and Wales a truly committed and lasting partnership. Our multifaceted team are well versed in the unique challenges facing individuals and businesses in rural settings and take the time to understand the needs and aspirations of clients. As a result, our services are unrivalled and entirely bespoke to individual requirements.

PKF Smith Cooper 01335 343141 catherine.desmond@pkfsmithcooper.com

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19/10/2021 15:41

Simon John Christopher Ltd are an established firm of Chartered Accountants and Taxation Consultants based in Dorset, with over 25 years experience.

Whether you need assistance with your taxes, general business advice, or just want to get together and talk about the industry, we can help HSKSG 01889 567217 hannah.bain@hsksg.co.uk hsksg.co.uk

PKF Francis Clark is a firm of accountants and business advisors with eight offices across the South West and over 700 staff.

For them, it is not about the number crunching but helping their clients achieve their ambitions.

We work with many farming businesses who need specialist accounting knowledge, such as tax issues concerning farmhouses, succession planning and VAT advice.

For more than 100 years, PKF Francis Clark has supported farmers, landowners and agribusinesses – understanding not only their commercial needs but also what is important to them and their families.

Our professionals have many years of agricultural expertise and we have a strong reputation for working with new and established businesses.

Brian Harvey - Partner and Head of Agriculture 01872 276477 brian.harvey@pkf-francisclark.co.uk

Simon John Christopher Ltd 01258 471669 enquiries@sjcltd.co.uk sjcltd.co.uk

Whitley Stimpson is a long-established firm of Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors who have been advising agricultural and landed estate clients since our inception in 1931. We cover all areas of farm accounting, tax planning, succession planning, diversification, and development land. We pride ourselves on providing clear, practical, and pro-active advice on all areas of your farm or estate business allowing you to make the right decisions.

Whitley Stimpson 01295 270200 whitleystimpson.co.uk

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020 7324 2754 / cla.class@redactive.co.uk

Bevan Buckland LLP 01646 682383 mail@bevanbuckland.co.uk bevanbuckland.co.uk

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

We are the largest independent accountancy & auditor firm in Wales providing an array of advisory services to the agricultural sector. Our services range from audits to tax planning and tax compliance services. With over 100 years of experience, we are proud to continue supporting small to medium-sized businesses. Headquartered in Swansea, you can also find us in Cowbridge, Carmarthen, Pembroke, Haverfordwest and St David’s.

Our team of agricultural accounting specialists are dedicated to providing business, tax and accounting advice to rural businesses across the Midlands and beyond.

They have first-hand experience of the ups and downs involved in running an agricultural business, but also know how rewarding it can be.

Mike Butler - Agricultural Partner 01722 337661 mike.butler@pkf-francisclark.co.uk

Avant Advisory are Chartered Accountants and consultants specialising in the rural sector. We have a lifetime of building success both on a personal basis and for our clients.

Up-to-date information about your farm and estate is vital for making decisions. Our tailored solutions aim to provide you with increased profits and efficiency.

We work with your most pressing problems. We’re all about driving businesses forward, with digital services and practical advice.

Advant Advisory 07881 678236 / 020 8123 2252 shaun.spalding@avantadvisory.co.uk

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020 7324 2754 / cla.class@redactive.co.uk

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

FENCING, GATES & IRONWORK

Bespoke Fabricated Cantilevel Access Cantilever Gates Control Gates

Designed over 25 years, developing & using British

parts, to provide a truly unique & proven system.

Bespoke built cantilever access control Probably secondfor to no other (spans/ to 12 meters in gates suitable commercial industrial one gate). and farm access roads. application Green energy or mains single phase. `i> v À ÃiVÕÀ ÌÞ ÌÀ>vwV V ÌÀ > ` Ü iÀi Full UK coverage. road surfaces are broken and uneven.

Cantilever bespoke gate

Standard features include: • • • • • •

Key phob activation GSM telephone activation Keypad activation Optimum safety features Wind generator and PV charging system Compliant with HSE BS/EN. 12445-2001

Contact us to discuss your requirements: 01353 861530 info@tmmf.co.uk www.TMMF.co.uk Cantilever metal gate 5 bar

The Overwrought Cantilever Sliding Gate

Developed to restrict access to farm yards and private roads.

An aesthetic user-friendly barrier offering security on entrances ranging from 4 metres to 10 metres.

Can be opened manually or automated. Wind and solar systems can be installed for use in remote areas.

Galvanized as standard.

Contact: Bill Clark T: 01623 861033 Park Farm, Kneesall, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG22 0AY Email: clarkoverwrought@aol.com www.overwroughtironwork.co.uk TANKS & DRUMS

SMITHS of the Forest of Dean Ltd.

The Tank and Drum Experts

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,ƵŐĞ ƐƚŽĐŬ ŽĨ ĮƫŶŐƐ Ͳ / ĐŽŶŶĞĐƟŽŶ ŬŝƚƐ͕ ƚĂƉƐ͕ ďŽƐƐĞƐ͕ ĂĚĂƉƚŽƌƐ͕ ůĞǀĞů ŐĂƵŐĞƐ ĂŶĚ ŚŽƐĞ Ăůů ŝŶ ƐƚŽĐŬ͘ KƉĞŶ DŽŶĚĂLJ ƚŽ &ƌŝĚĂLJ ;ϴ͗ϬϬĂŵͲϰ͗ϯϬƉŵͿ͘ ^ĂƚƵƌĚĂLJ ϵͲϭϭĂŵ͘ EĂƟŽŶǁŝĚĞ ĚĞůŝǀĞƌLJ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ͘ sŝƐŝƚ ǁǁǁ͘ƐŵĚĚ͘ĐŽ͘ƵŬ Žƌ ĐĂůů ŽŶ Ϭϭϱϵϰ ϴϯϯϯϬϴ͘

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We are a family run business and have been working hard for the last 25 years to fulfil dreams.

Come and see our beautiful ‘transportable’ Log buildings at our show site near Melton Mowbray.

TH THE TH HE E NATURAL NATURA NA NATU TURA TU RAL RA AL CHOICE CHOI CHO CHOI CH OICE OICE

BESPOKE POKE LO LOG G CA CABI CABINS BINS NS A ASS YO YOU U WANT WANT THEM T www.finlog.co.uk

0808 123 14 15

finlogcabins

info@finlog.co.uk

We’ve built decades of experience and Planning knowledge into our solid log homes. Choose Stylish Contemporary or Timeless Traditional.

Contact us today for advice about a comfortable, high-quality home for your rural application.

Comply with Caravan Act and requirements for a temporary dwelling.

020 7324 2754 / cla.class@redactive.co.uk

Quickly installed, cost-effective homes for rural applications.

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

LOG CABINS & TIMBER BUILDINGS

+

Accommodation for family members Temporary homes under an agricultural tie Replacements for old mobile homes via your CLEUD

0118 966 9236 www.norwegianlog.co.uk

WELLIE WASHERS AND ACCESSORIES

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020 7324 2754 / cla.class@redactive.co.uk

ATV & UTV

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

HEDGING

Hedging Plants Leading suppliers of quality hedging and woodland plants throughout the UK. Unbeatable service. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Full range of guards and stakes etc Call for a quotation

David J Powell Surveys

x x x x x

Chartered Surveyors and Boundary Demarcation Specialists Boundaries checked Expert witness service Deed plans prepared Land surveys Acreage calculations

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

Contact Heidi on 01425 476287 or office@boundaries.net Tel 01435 862992 Fax 01435 867742 sales@ewburrownursery.co.uk www.ewburrownursery.co.uk

BRIDGES

Archstone House, Christchurch 1 Pullman Way, Orchard House,39 Rd, Ringwood, BH24 BH24 1HD 1DG Ringwood, Hampshire, www.boundaries.net

PET PRODUCTS

HATS

SHEEP GRAZING

SHEEP GRAZING WANTED

FOR CAPS

www.bates-hats.com

Grass or roots.

Long or short term.

Advanced monthly payment.

Peter Parker - 07766 475799

ry S

TREE GUARDS

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Secure your spot in our Rural Disputes Directory for the December issue of Land & Business Magazine.

PLANTING NEW HEDGES OR WOODLAND?

The marketplace includes: 50 - 70 words Contact details Logo/Image

Trees & Hedging Plants of Native Provenance Handled with GREAT CARE

Transparent Spiral Guards, Our Own Brand, Better Quality

Fine Mesh Shelters For Shrubs and trees

Plastic Mesh Deer Fencing

Please call 020 7324 2754 or email cla.class@redactive.co.uk for more information.

Easy to erect, OK for gardens & Woodlands

Ground Reinforcement Meshes

Farm Forestry Co Ltd Tel: 01588 650496 Fax: 01588 650631 www.farmforestry.co.uk

Metal Estate Tree Guards, electro galvanised & black powder coated.

Available in sizes: 6ft x 2ft & 7ft x 3ft Bespoke designs available

Please contact us for current prices

Woodland & Hedgerow Supplies Full Planting & Maintenance of Hedging & Woodland Mark Vigrass Ltd 01507 604201 / 07971 190345 www.markvigrass.co.uk sales@markvigrass.co UK

TIMBER

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PONDS, LAKES & BOATS

DEREK DELIGHTED BY PAIN RELIEF!

Maintenance Boats for Ponds & Lakes, and beautiful family Rowing Boats.

www.heylandmarine.com

71 year old, Derek Hames was suffering from severe pains in his hips and knees after a lifetime of hard work. Although fairly lively in the morning, by evening he would find it a struggle to walk from one room of his flat to another. He was unwilling to take painkillers but the constant pain and limited mobility were making him very depressed.

Please call for Details on our vast range of Small Boats

Tel. 07974 815848 / 01628 528830

Over 3,000,000 people and animals in the U.K. are now bene¿ting from BioÀow products. Contact: Jenny Ryan, 0114 2307844 / 07817671259, 16 Den Bank Crescent, Shef¿eld S10 5PD. jennyryan@magneticpower4u.com www.magneticpower4u.net BIOFLOW PRODUCTS ARE GREAT CHRISTMAS PRESENTS FOR PEOPLE AND ANIMALS!

020 7324 2754 / cla.class@redactive.co.uk

He says, ‘I saw an advert for the Bioflow wristband and despite being a total sceptic I decided to give one a try. Anything was better than carrying on as I was. I am delighted to say I can now walk much more freely, my knees are far less painful and I feel a lot better in myself. I am now a total convert to Bioflow and advise anyone to give it a go.’

Boats for Work & Play

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

HEALTHCARE

HOMECARE

MADE IN BRITIAN

STOPS DOWNDRAFT

CREATES DRAW FOR BURNING EFFICIENCY GUARANTEED TO WORK WHAT THE CUSTOMERS SAY...

Just to let you know I installed the FlueCube you supplied me with today and it made a virtually unusable stove in to a great working one. One happy customer.

Paul Bullivant, Clean and Clear Chimneys, Spalding

Great product, we tried everything but this is the only cowl that solved our down draught problems Pat Co Down N Ireland Used by

01580 715870 | cla.org.uk

CLA Class Nov21.indd 77

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020 7324 2754 / cla.class@redactive.co.uk

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

SIGNS

HEATING, FUEL & CHIMNEYS O ffer the complete range of wood log boilers

Signs for

T wo complete ranges – Angus Super and Angus Orligno 200

Farms & Estates

O utput range – 18kW, 25kW, 40kW, 60kW, 80kW, 96kW and 130kW

Over 400 designs available from stock*

Products fully MCS certified

*Bespoke wood and aluminium signs available on request

G rants available under Renewable Heat Incentive 92% Heat Efficiency Significantly reduce heating costs

STOCK SIGNS

Incorporate into existing heating system

01934 862642 www.ecoangus.co.uk

Cattle grid BESPOKE SIGNS Welcome to

Ightham Mote

WTPL

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Main car park House Garden Mote Café Deliveries House, Garden, Shop and Mote Café open daily except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Estate open all year

• 3VN I\YUPUN JLU[YHS OLH[PUN & hot water systems • 9/0 .YHU[Z H]HPSHISL • ,HZ` [V PUZ[HSS HUK VWLYH[L

Estate Walk Estate Walk and Scathes Wood

01984 640 656

www.dunsterheat.co.uk

Freephone: 0800 45 85 660 | Online: www.farm-signs.co.uk

Biomass heating systems installers and accredited suppliers of Vigas Boilers & Akvaterm Accumulators

TIMBER BUILDINGS

BIOMASS

sep tails R g de itin e for u t cr Re ebsi ew Se

Timber Buildings.

Natural products from renewble sources.

Caring for the environment.

SECURE YOUR FUTURE WITH BIOMASS Guaranteed income for the next 15 years.

EXAMPLE

EXAMPLE

3 BAY 3 BAY MONOPITCH MONOPITCH as shown

45ft X 17ft 10ft 6in eaves as Xshown + vat 45ft X£5,250 17ft X 10ft 6in eaves £6,300 inc VAT delivered delivered Many other options available - please see website

FARMPLUS

SHAY LANE, LONGRIDGE, PRESTON PR3 3BT TEL: 01772 785252 www.farmplus.co.uk

Fuel and space heating from 28 kw to 1 megawatt Fully accredited boilers from £5k We BUY all boilers Insurance write off Fire and frost damage, any thing considered Brokerage and commissions undertaken. frank@biomassrescuecentre.co.uk 07502 576 011

OFF GRID POWER

Off Grid Power & Solar Battery Storage Installed domestic systems from £3000 • Micro Grid power systems for anyone off the grid • All installation sizes from Sheds to Commercial.

• We carefully custom design your project for you.

• Supply and install all across the South West.

• UK approved installer for Victron & BYD Li-Ion batteries.

No Power? No problem! www.offgridsystems.co.uk | 01392 368724 | The Old School | Clyst Honiton | Exeter | EX5 2LZ

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CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

LAND WANTED

LAND URGENTLY REQUIRED LAND ASSET PLANNING Ltd are currently sourcing land parcels of between 9 and 12 acres throughout England and Wales for a national food processing group client. Suitable land would be edge of urban or larger rural settlements with some separation and access to national transport infrastructure.

The client is at the beginning of a five year plan to acquire and develop sites with a target of several million square feet of new build facilities and associated land and infrastructure. The client is prepared to consider a number of acquisition options from outright purchase to various leasing arrangements.

020 7324 2754 / cla.class@redactive.co.uk

For a free suitability appraisal of your land please contact Land Asset Planning Ltd, +44 (0) 1242 210 935, +44 (0)7941 995218, e-mail info@landassetplanning.co.uk WATER MANAGEMENT

Engineering Environmentally Responsible Boreholes For Water, For Heat FINDINGWATER.CO.UK - T:01544 267 980 ROADWAY CONSTRUCTION & RESTORATION

ROAD-TRACK REPAIRS Based in the north east of England, covering the UK.

Ideal for: • Rural property roads • Farmroads • Field access tracks • Cow tracks • Estate roads • Shoot/woodland tracks

From dealing with washed outroads, installing new roads and deep stabilisation adding cement powder for heavily used roads to a cost-effective surface dressing process

Using specialist equipment to repair and recycle your existing road surface, from a top-applied dressing process with BO BQQFBMJOH mOJTI UP B GVMM EFQUI IFBWZ EVUZ TUBCJMJTBUJPO BEEJOH DFNFOU QPXEFS BT B CJOEJOH BHFOU VQ UP NN JO EFQUI BOE DBNCFSJOH UIF TVSGBDF UP QSFWFOU TUBOEJOH XBUFS BOE BTTPDJBUFE EBNBHF o JODSFBTJOH UIF MJGF PG ZPVS SPBE o BMM BU B SFEVDFE DBSCPO GPPUQSJOU BOE XJUI ZPVS OFFET JO NJOE

Before

Process

After

New Road Construction

For more information, to discuss your requirements, for a free no obligation quote or for a brochure, please contact Richard Willis: Crabtree House, Gilling West Richmond North Yorkshire DL10 5JD Richard: 01748 517077 | Darren: 07704 779508 | E: Richard@rtwroadrestoration.co.uk | W: www.rtwroadrestoration.co.uk

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CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

020 7324 2754 / cla.class@redactive.co.uk

GIFTS

CAR MASCOTS

Louis Lejeune Ltd. Tel : 01353 740444

ElY

Cambs

CB6 3RA

www.louislejeune.com

PLANNING CONSULTANTS

NEW GOVERNMENT PLANNING POLICIES COULD BENEFIT YOU !

To discuss classified advertising, please email cla.class@redactive.co.uk or call 020 7324 2754

If you need Planning Permission, have a problem with Planners, are considering some form of Development or Rural Diversification - do not hesitate to contact:

KPG Design Associates Ltd, Planning Consultants, Architectural Services & Building Surveyors Tel: 01452 260110 Mob: 07941 995218 Email: enquiries@kpgdesignassociates.co.uk We provide a rapid response for all your requirements, including an initial‘no fee’appraisal and advice line.

For more detail and examples of our work please see our website at:

www.kpgdesignassociates.co.uk

Over 30 years of experience & service to the Farming & Rural Property Owning Community HEALTHCARE

DOES SITTING MAKE YOUR BACK ACHE? With the Backfriend® lightweight portable back support, you can get positional relief from back pain wherever you sit.

Phenomenally Successful I have to admit that the seat has been and still is phenomenally successful and exceeds all expectations I had for it. I have absolutely no reservations in recommending it to anyone as a sure fire workable aid to chronic back pain. Mrs W, Hants

Backrest adjustable for height and angle to suit user AT HOME

DRIVING

Ideal when working from home

Request your free Backfriend literature and price list now.

WORKING

RELAXING

More than half a million users – IDEAL for home workers

100+ PRODUCTS FOR BACK PAIN. REQUEST A FREE CATALOGUE NOW.

Manufactured by MEDesign right here in the UK Available in a choice of colours

21-LB11

14 Day Money Back Trial

You can relax knowing no sales people will call and we NEVER pass on enquirers details.

Simply fill out and post free to: MEDesign Ltd, FREEPOST, Southport, PR8 1BR Name: Address: Postcode:

80 NOVEMBER 2021 | LAND & BUSINESS

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Lightweight and portable – use it everywhere

LIGHT AND PORTABLE

14 day trial and money back guarantee

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LAST WORD

Country

Goose control

Brian Martin outlines a growing threat to farm crops 82 NOVEMBER 2021 | LAND & BUSINESS

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of fields were reported in the 1950s, but interested sportspeople rounded birds up and spread them all over the country, leading to a dramatic increase in the 1960s and 1970s. There are now about 62,000 UK breeding pairs, and 190,000 overwintering. They may be shot during the regular wildfowling season but also culled under open general licence out of season.

The indigenous greylag population had declined to about 200 pairs by the early 1950s, but better protection, the establishment of feral populations and interest by sportspeople brought sustained increase; there are now some 47,000 breeding pairs, and 96,000 overwintering.

This species is on the quarry list and may also be culled under open general licence out of season.

Annually renewed general licences are issued by government agencies. You do not need to apply for one, but are required by law to abide by their terms. Details are available on the websites of relevant agencies, such as Defra. As well as helping prevent serious damage to crops, fruit, vegetables, fisheries and inland waters, they are issued to help conserve endangered flora and fauna, and to maintain public health and safety.

In applying for a licence, you must show you have tried nonlethal control first, such as using audible and visual scaring devices and managing habitat to make it less attractive.

Those who do not wish to harm birds might also consider changing cropping regimes, growing crops less susceptible to damage, or changing their location. A combination of techniques is often required.

In helping control the 100,000 or so pink-footed geese now wintering in Norfolk, it is useful to leave postharvest sugarbeet tops in the field for as long as possible, as the geese will graze on these for up to 30 days, sparing other crops. Avoid ploughing the tops in directly after harvest to sow a winter cereal, and consider growing a spring-sown cereal instead.

IMAGE: ISTOCK

A

goose beak may not look very precise for food gathering, but it is surprisingly adaptable. Indeed, it has helped several species of goose to widely exploit farm crops as their burgeoning populations have forced large numbers to move inland to easier pickings, away from their traditional wetland feeding areas.

Unfortunately, this has brought them into conflict with farmers, who have suffered significant financial loss through diminished cereal and grass yields. Many of the birds also graze on, and foul, parks and playing fields.

Stricter international protection – especially on oversease wintering grounds – and the effects of climate change on food supplies have seen some goose populations rocket. Of the four species of greatest concern, two are only winter visitors – the pink-footed and the brent goose. The former is on the quarry list and can be shot without a special licence from 1 September to 31 January (and to 20 February below the highwater mark) in England and Wales. However, the brent is protected all year, and a special licence is needed to cull it.

The other two are predominantly resident.

The Canada goose was first introduced to English collections, and escapees were breeding freely by 1800.

The first complaints of cereal damage and paddling

View

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INSURANCE TAILORED FOR CLA MEMBERS

COVERS AVAILABLE INCLUDE: 3 FARM

3 RURAL BUSINESS

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The CLA (Country Land and Business Association Limited) is an Introducer Appointed Representative of A-Plan Holdings, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in respect of general insurance business. CLA Insurance is a trademark of the CLA. A-Plan Holdings is permitted to use CLA Insurance as a trading name and provides insurance services to CLA members. A-Plan Holdings is registered in England and Wales under company registration number 750484. Registered Office: 2 Des Roches Square, Witney, OX28 4LE. Calls may LAND & BUSINESS | NOVEMBER 2021 83 be cla.org.uk monitored and recorded for quality assurance purposes.

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Working in partnership 'Towards Net Zero'; together we can make a difference

Knight Frank is proud to be the headline sponsor of The CLA Rural Business Conference.

2 December 2021 If you have any questions or need any assistance booking, please email events@cla.org.uk Knight Frank Rural Consultancy james.farrell@knightfrank.com 077 0231 7221

knightfrank.co.uk 84 NOVEMBER 2021 | LAND & BUSINESS

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