Meet the Estate Manager

Roderick Duggleby

How long have you worked at the Merevale & Blyth Estate?

22 years since graduating from Harper Adams in 2001.

Where do you live on the Estate?

I live with my family and dogs in an old, thatched cottage, named after a local baker who was born in the early 1900s and spent his entire 96 years of life living and working on the Estate. He lived an extraordinary life, including surviving as a prisoner of war during both World Wars. It is important to me that these pieces of the Estate’s history are never forgotten.

What does an average day look like?

No one day is the same and I’m always plate-spinning! I can go from a management meeting to dealing with trespassers to greeting guests at Blyth Hall. I work long hours and weekends, but it is a very rewarding job, and more of a lifestyle than an occupation.

What is the most challenging part of your role?

There is such a wide variety of work on a rural estate so keeping up with all the management tasks and development projects can be demanding. Whilst mostly harmless, trespassers on the Estate can be a challenge, and at all times of the day too. Fly tipping is also a big issue, and tyres that are dumped can be costly to clean up.

How do you work with the local community?

As Chairman of the Parish Council, I strive to ensure that the Estate and the community work together harmoniously. We always aim to use local, skilled contractors for property maintenance work, and allow community groups and local schools onto the Estate during bluebell season.

Merevale Estate also makes a significant donation to a local committee each year to fund new resources for the community, whether that be chairs for the community hall, or AstroTurf for the local football pitch.

Honesty and enthusiasm

The Estate was looking for a fresh approach to its legal matters and chose Lodders based on the firm’s strong reputation in the agricultural sector, as well as its broad-ranging expertise. Roderick says:

Selecting a law firm that is well-aligned to the values of the Estate was crucial: honesty and enthusiasm are two key principles we value highly. As a firm, Lodders has these in abundance.

"Lodders is a natural fit for us, with a team of solicitors that covers a range of different areas, from agricultural law to commercial property and litigation. We have worked closely with Alastair Frew who has provided excellent communication and strong expertise."

The Merevale & Blyth Estate

E: rduggleby@merevale.com

Alastair Frew

E: alastair.frew@lodders.co.uk

T: 01789 206117