Land & Business - December 2019 by Redactive Media Group

December 2019 | £4.50

The magazine for CLA members

‘We can unleash the huge potential of the rural economy’ Meet newly elected CLA President Mark Bridgeman 12 THE RURAL POWERHOUSE A bold new agenda

Cover_December 2019_Land & Business 1

40 DREAM TEAM

31 POWERING UP

CLA Policy Committee

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Contents December 2019

News & opinion 7

WELCOME President’s brieﬁng

NEWS

CLA WIN: 4G FOR ALL CLA campaign paves way to wipe out poor mobile connectivity

RURAL POWERHOUSE A bold new agenda to realise the full potential of the countryside

LETTERS Hear from other members

MEMBER OFFER Roadnight Taylor

COUNTERPOINT Meet the XR Farmers

LOBBYING The campaign trail

Advice 21

GET IN THE BLACK BY GOING GREEN Environmental policies and public demand can open opportunities for landowners

25 KEEPING OUT OF TROUBLE It pays to put land agreements in writing and register them promptly

31 21 27 TACKLING CLIMATE CHANGE What next for our land? 31

POWERING UP Renewable energy offers landowners a range of possibilities

Features 35 ENERGY CROPS Miscanthus can help to alleviate some of the key issues facing farming 36 TAKING THE REINS Meet the new CLA President Mark Bridgeman

Your CLA 40 DREAM TEAM The CLA’s Policy Committee welcomes a wealth of talented new members

27 42 DON’T RISK IT CLA Insurance 45 BUSINESS PROTECTION CLA Healthcare 46 MEMBER OFFER: FORD 47 MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE The CLA Charitable Trust

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CONTENTS

Editorial A word from the Editor

48 A TRUE AMBASSADOR FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE CLA member Olive Clarke OBE honoured for 50 years’ service

In your area

Green market opportunities

52 NEWS ACROSS ENGLAND AND WALES What’s happening where you are

n this issue we look at some emerging market opportunities for landowners. On page 21 ﬁnd out how you can take advantage of the environmental and social value that land management can produce – it’s not too soon to start planning how you could capitalise. On page 31 we run the rule over the renewable energy options available to rural businesses.

The last word 74

COUNTRY VIEW From bear-baiting to biggest pumpkin

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 office. All contact details can be found online at cla.org.uk

One of the CLA’s great strengths is its members, who, through the CLA’s committee structure, help to test and shape the CLA’s thinking on key policy issues. Those who recently joined the CLA’s Policy Committee are a great example, with a broad span of professional experience including mediation, finance and medicine as well as running

Editor

Picture researcher

Produced by

Production

Tan Parsons | 020 7460 7979 tan.parsons@cla.org.uk Redactive Publishing Ltd Level 5, 78 Chamber Street, London E1 8BL 020 7880 6200 redactive.co.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

Will Hurrell will.hurrell@redactive.co.uk

Tan Parsons, Editor, Land & Business

Charlie Hedges charlie.hedges@redactive.co.uk Rachel Young rachel.young@redactive.co.uk

Display sales

020 7324 2776 cla@redactive.co.uk

Classiﬁed sales Account Director

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.

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outstanding rural businesses. Find out more on page 40. Finally, readers will be familiar with the CLA’s 4GforAll campaign, which has appeared regularly in Land & Business over the course of the last year. It is a testament to tenacious CLA lobbying that the government has now committed to a £1bn deal to end poor mobile coverage (see page 11). The CLA will be pressing hard to see these commitments are met fully, but this deal is a signiﬁcant step to closing the rural-urban digital divide. I wish you a happy festive season and a prosperous New Year.

Cover image Mark Bridgeman, photograph by Graeme Peacock

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WELCOME

President’s

Brieﬁng with Mark Bridgeman

A bold agenda

t is a tremendous privilege to become come President of the CLA. I take overr at what ural is clearly a crucial time for the rural economy and the country as a whole, and it is clear to me the debt of gratitude m the CLA owes to my predecessor, Tim uch Breitmeyer, for guiding us through such a tumultuous period. With his deep farming knowledge and experience, e he was the right man at the right time for the CLA, as farming has faced the uncertainty of Brexit and the end of the CAP after more than 40 years. It is going to be a very busy couple of years ahead, irrespective of who forms the next government. A renewed Agriculture Bill will soon return to Parliament, as will an Environment Bill. The new h government will begin grappling with the details of our future internationall jor trade relationships, how to run a major economy on net zero greenhouse gas ing emissions and how to solve the housing

‘The general election on e, is in its ﬁnal phase, and whatever e happens, change is coming’

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7 President's_December 2019_Land & Business 7

crisis. The CLA will be there to advise government about the practical implications. Warm words need to be translated into practical policies that can be delivered by our members. However, alongside all this lies another challenge. Private landownership and property rights face a number of threats from both the left and the right of politic politics and we must learn to tell our story better, highli highlighting the positive contribution that private land landownership makes. We are in a unique position in that we, as landowners landowners, can help provide the solutions to many of our national challenges – not least in tackling the threat of climate ch change. Through an effective public g goods model, we can help deliver tthe government’s ambitions in the 25 Year Environment Plan. We can arrest the decline of biodiversity, improve the environment, while also embracing technology to improve farm productivity. With the right planning framework, we can also help solve the rural housing crisis, and help stimulate rural growth and job creation. The general election is in its final phase phase, and whatever happens, change is comin coming. Our businesses need to change too. L Last month we launched our new camp campaign called the Rural Powerhouse. It is a b bold new initiative, as we strive to beco become a more high profile organisation and h highlight the immense potential of the rrural economy. Whether it is through conn connectivity or profitable farming, plann planning or skills development, we set out w what government can do to help unlo unlock that potential (see page 12). I look forw forward to my time as President and the chal challenges ahead and I will listen to the view views and ideas of our members.

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NEWS

News round-up The stories that matter to you

CLA Christmas cards

Fly-tipping on the rise

igures released by Defra show that incidents of fly-tipping on public land have increased by 8% across England in 2018/19. The figures show that councils in England dealt with more than one million fly-tipping incidents in the last year. The CLA says the figures do not reflect the true scale of the crime however, as they do not include reports of fly-tipping on privately owned land. CLA Director General Sarah Hendry said: “These statistics don’t show the huge emotional and financial cost of this crime.

Our members are all too tired of not only cleaning up other people’s rubbish but paying for the privilege of doing so. “It costs on average £1,000 to clean up each incident. With many rural businesses suffering multiple incidents, it can quickly affect the bottom line dramatically.” The introduction of fees at many rubbish tips and recycling centres has also meant we’re now seeing the rise of organised criminal ﬂy-tipping. The CLA is calling for changes to the law to make sure landowners are no longer legally liable when waste is ﬂy-tipped on their land.

Cracking down on unauthorised encampments The Home Oﬃce has launched a consultation on proposals to criminalise the act of trespassing when setting up an unauthorised encampment, as well as new police powers to arrest and seize property. CLA Chief Legal Adviser Andrew Gillett said: “We’ve consistently highlighted the detrimental economic, environmental and

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This year support the CLA members’ own charity and buy CLA Christmas cards to send to your family and friends. For every pack of cards sold, the CLA Charitable Trust will receive £1 to fund its work to help those who are disabled or disadvantaged to visit and participate in learning experiences about the countryside. Our generously sized cards feature photographs taken by finalists of the 2018 CLA Photo Competition – “Roe in Frost” by Jean Rolfe, “Starling Murmuration” by Richard Martin and “Penned in at Lambing Time” by Melissa Tabecki. HOW TO ORDER Call 01978 251 004 today to order CLA Christmas cards. Please have your card payment details to hand. Order deadline: Wednesday 11 December 2019. KEY DETAILS Pack size: 10 cards (one design) with envelopes Price: £9.99 per pack incl. P&P and VAT Support your own charity: £1 from each pack of cards sold will go directly to the CLA Charitable Trust. To learn more about the Trust’s work, or to make a donation, please contact Tahirih McLaren-Brown by phone (020 7460 7928) or email (charitabletrust@cla.org.uk) Place your order by Wednesday 11 December 2019

social impact on local communities and rural businesses from illegal encampments, so this new consultation will be welcomed by many who live and work in the countryside.” The CLA is calling for local planning authorities to stay up-to-date with the delivery of suitable traveller sites as well as short-term transit sites. “Only a holistic approach which takes on board all three strands – policing, prosecution and planning – will be an effective deterrent,” said Mr Gillett.

cla.org.uk

21/11/2019 09:56

GO ONLINE

@CLAtweets

NEWS IN BRIEF

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

INFLUENCE

Labour plans pose risk to rural broadband

The CLA has warned that the Labour Party’s policy pledge to nationalise broadband poses a risk to rural connectivity. Under these plans, investment would collapse straight after the election and it would not begin again until the government is able to complete the nationalisation process, the CLA said. CLA President Mark Bridgeman said: “Of course everyone likes things for free. But it is not clear how nationalisation will speed up the delivery of full broadband for everyone in the country.”

£50m scheme for tree planting

The government has launched a £50m Woodland Carbon Guarantee scheme to encourage farmers and landowners to plant more trees. Successful participants will be offered the option to sell Woodland Carbon Units to the government over 35 years at a guaranteed price set by auction. CLA Chief Land Use Adviser Susan Twining said: “This news will be welcomed by many farmers looking to invest in forestry. However, it is clear that £50m is a drop in the ocean as far as incentivising the planting at scale that is needed, and indeed expected, of farmers. “We would also like to see an alternative scheme to reward those who have already taken the step towards planting more trees.”

IMAGES: ISTOCK / ALAMY

Flooding grants

@countrylandandbusiness

Defra announced details of a grant scheme to support farmers and rural businesses affected by recent flooding, allowing them to apply for between £500 and £25,000 to cover repair costs. It comes after the CLA called on the Environment Agency, Rural Payments Agency and Environment Minister Rebecca Pow to support those affected by the flooding that has affected large areas of South Yorkshire, and the Midlands.

KNOWLEDGE

ADVICE

CLA guide to enforcement of planning control The CLA’s latest handbook – CLA85 The enforcement of planning control – explains the means by which a planning authority can investigate allegations of breaches and the various powers available to it in the event of any actual breaches. It is intended as a general guide to the law concerning the enforcement of planning control. It provides advice to landowners when faced with the possibility of enforcement action. To purchase via the CLA online shop go to cla.org.uk and log in to MyCLA to get the member discounted price of £36. Alternatively, call 020 7460 7969 – please have your membership and credit card numbers to hand.

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COMMUNITY

MEMBER SERVICES

Order your 2020 CLA Diary CLA diaries are available to order. Classically produced between gold blocked, gilt-edged covers, these beautiful bespoke diaries can also be personalised with your initials in hand-printed gold blocking. Both the padded A5 desk diary and the slim pocket diary include LA essential information on the CLA along with the very best Letts diary section. Use them to plan fitt for your year ahead and benefi from the information included such as key CLA contacts, ways to make the most of your membership and a list of some major show dates for 2020. For your personal copy of the CLA diary, place your order now by calling Lansdowne Publishing on 0161 872 6667.

CLA Business Directory The CLA Business Directory exclusively promotes members’ business interests. Now in its 19th year, this comprehensive guide is distributed to CLA’s substantial membership of rural land and property owners and can be accessed online all year round. If you own rural land you will ﬁnd the Directory a useful means of discovering services and suppliers who understand rural business and country life. Similarly, if you are a professional working in the countryside or run your own rural business, you will know how important it is to be able to reach the key market which rural landowners and communities

represent. The CLA Business Directory is open to all Landowning, Business and Professional members. For more information please contact the sales team at Redactive Media Group on 020 7324 2754 or email cla@redactive.co.uk DISPLAY ADVERTISING KEY DEADLINES ‘Early Bird’ booking offer – book a sixth page (or larger) display ad by Friday 13 December 2019 and receive a free online logo worth £60 + VAT with your Classified Listing. Final deadline for Display Advertising and Company Profiles: Friday 31 January 2020.

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CAMPAIGN

MOBILE CONNECTIVITY

CLA win: 4G for all Success for the CLA’s #4GForAll Campaign paves the way to wipe out poor mobile connectivity in rural areas

IMAGE: GETTY

he government has unveiled a that it is not quite yet a done deal and £1bn deal that will see mobile that the department wanted to see operators sharing mobile the operators move quickly so a final phone masts to create a agreement can be reached early in 2020. “single rural network”. As well as making the countryside Echoing the CLA’s #4GForAll safer, good mobile signal has campaign calls, the government will huge potential to unlock farming ensure operators have legally binding technology and innovation, as well coverage and timetable obligations as improving the attractiveness to deliver high quality 4G mobile of tourism businesses. According coverage to 95% of the UK by 2025. to Capital Economics in research The £1bn investment required will be commissioned by EE, 4G coverage is met by the government and operators. estimated to deliver an extra £75bn for The agreement for mast sharing the national economy over 10 years. between networks, described as The CLA began the #4GForAll a “world first”, alongside new campaign in December 2017 when investment in mobile infrastructure, Ofcom revealed that eight out of 10 will mean people get good 4G signal people across the countryside do not no matter where they are or which have access to 4G mobile coverage. provider they are with. Since then a concerted programme CLA President Mark Bridgeman of CLA lobbying has raised the political said: “We know the countryside has profile of mobile connectivity and huge potential for job creation and the rural-urban digital divide at the new economic growth, but in order highest levels of government and in for this to happen we must ensure the national media. every community in The CLA will lobby the new the country is fully government hard to make FURTHER connected. Today’s sure these commitments are INFORMATION news is a big step upheld. To see a timeline of the towards achieving CLA’s lobbying on 4G that goal.” connectivity over the In making the last two years go to announcement, the tr.im/4Gforall Digital Minister said

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RURAL ECONOMY

JONATHAN ROBERTS EXTERNAL AFFAIRS DIRECTOR jonathan.roberts@cla.org.uk 020 7235 0511 @jonathanR_CLA

Rural Powerhouse: a new way of thinking for the CLA The CLA’s Rural Powerhouse campaign sets out a bold new agenda to realise the full potential of the countryside

n 1774 the brilliant Whig MP Edmund Burke gave an address to the electors of Bristol. He said, “Your representative owes you not only his industry, but his judgement, and he betrays instead of serves you if he sacriﬁces it to your opinion”. It was a further six years before Burke learned the power of his electors’ opinions – when they voted him out of oﬃce. Shortly we will discover the extent to which the public is still willing to devolve their own judgement to their current representatives. But whatever the result of the general election, the next Parliament will look very different. As many as 70 incumbent MPs are standing down with the loss of more than 1,000 years of parliamentary experience. Many more MPs will go the same way as Burke and lose their seats.

Standing out from the crowd It is a cliché to say that opportunity can arise from chaos. But clichés are often true and few will remember

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a more chaotic political situation than the one we have now. The CLA already has an incredible platform, with strong and productive links to government and Parliament. But we can go further. I want the CLA to become one of the most high profile and politically influential membership associations in the country. Not out of ego, but because it is necessary. High profile political figures and campaign groups seem opposed not just to major components of the rural economy, but the rural way of life itself. It seems a day hardly goes by without unjust or hyperbolic criticism of farmers. With thousands of other groups vying for profile and influence we must do more to stand out from the crowd. So it is time to fight back, not just by taking on our critics but by putting forward a robust and positive message for the future. For most of us it is plain to see that the countryside

has extraordinary potential – to create jobs, to create opportunities and commercial success, but also to meet some of the biggest challenges of our time in mitigating climate change and solving the housing crisis.

‘Wanting the rural economy to succeed is not the preserve of one ideology or party’

Closing the productivity gap Since joining the organisation in July I have travelled to every region and met countless members. So often I’ve met with people who would love to convert that old barn into oﬃces, disused cottages into holiday lets or build more affordable homes to keep

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CAMPAIGN CLO GAP SING T H B RUR AL A ETWEE E N N PR D WOU ODUCT URBAN LD B IVITY EW ORT H TO U K PL C

£43B N

‘It’s a campaign rooted in a renewed sense of ambition and purpose, but focused on tangible outcomes’ of ambition and purpose, but focused on tangible outcomes.

Five campaign themes

IMAGES: ALAMY / GETTY / ISTOCK

The Rural Powerhouse is based on ﬁve key themes: a fully connected countryside, a planning system designed for rural communities, proﬁtable and sustainable farming,

their communities going. But they are being held back by bureaucracy in the planning system. I have met people who would start up a new business but can’t because of the lack of internet access – and in some cases access to the national grid. Through no fault of their own, the average worker in the countryside is 16% less productive than the national average. Closing the gap between rural and urban productivity would be worth £43bn to UK PLC. It shows that with the right policies, the right government support and the right public backing, we can unleash the potential of the rural economy. So that’s what we must do. In November we launched our new campaign: the Rural Powerhouse. It’s a campaign rooted in a renewed sense

THE RURAL POWERHOUSE The CLA is seeking: A fully connected countryside A planning system designed for rural communities Profitable and sustainable farming Investment in skills and innovation A simpler tax regime Find out more. Go to cla.org.uk/ rural-powerhouse

investment in skills & innovation and a simpler tax regime. We launched the campaign across the national media, and wrote to every candidate in every political party in England and Wales asking them to pledge their support for the campaign. Many have done so, from every political party in seats across the country. What has been so wonderful about the campaign is the deep-rooted affection so many political activists have for the countryside. We have had rural business owners, farmers and country lovers offering us their support, but also urbanites who understand the importance of what we are doing even if they do not see it with their own eyes. It’s a powerful point. Wanting the rural economy to succeed is not the preserve of one ideology or party, nor is it the preserve of those who live in remote villages. Everyone in the country has a stake in the success of the countryside. That is why the Rural Powerhouse is not just for the general election. It is a new way of thinking for the CLA that will span regional and national events as well as our continued lobbying activity. But when Parliament returns later this month we will have a group of new MPs who have publicly supported our policy ambitions, and we will help them deliver on their promises.

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YOUR VIEWS

Letters

Letters for Land & Business should be emailed to tan.parsons@cla.org.uk

Sustainable farming to meet demand affect the way we manage land. Every one of us inﬂuences land and wildlife somewhere with every mouthful we eat. It would be helpful if Wildlife Trusts used their expertise to look at the human food web and wider inﬂuences such as diet and health, food carbon footprints, convenience, veganism and working conditions etc and gave members and farmers guidance as to how we can get it right and match up supply and demand to produce sustainable food that people will actually buy. Like any business, farmers respond to demand and I’m rather weary of being lectured about ‘better’ ways to manage land while ‘cheap’ food continues to sell best and people are advised to cut down

MARIAN HARDING, EAST SUSSEX

Help to make footpaths safer I recently talked with a farmer whose cattle attacked someone and killed them. A few weeks ago a woman was attacked, her dog killed by the cattle and she remains critical in hospital at the time of writing. Someone else was attacked on land that I farm, again with a dog on a short lead. Times change. Footpaths were put in place for people to travel to work and get S LE TAR TT from A to B hundreds of years ago when ER farms were a lot smaller and our cattle were mainly Hereford and Friesian. Now it is not uncommon to have 50-100 cattle in a much larger ﬁeld with paths right through the middle. People do want to walk for pleasure, but many paths are in the wrong place, causing pain for the victim and pain for the farmer. If the new environmental schemes that we expect are to come about it would be nice if grants and help were available to move paths with consultation with parish and county councils, ramblers and local people for the beneﬁt of farmer and public alike. COLIN TABERNER, STAFFORDSHIRE

STAR PRIZE

STAR LETTER

In response to ‘Tackling the emergency’, by Debbie Tann, chief executive of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, p18, November 2019. Debbie Tan’s article articulates what many farmers would like anyway, but government policy is just one strand in the many ‘silos’ that affect the land and nature. Debbie brieﬂy alludes to ‘telling positive stories’, but perhaps the wildlife organisations are afraid of getting involved in the wider world of food and farming. Ecology is all about inter-relationship between species and habitat and I beg the experts to branch out from the narrow ﬁeld they feel safe in and engage with the other ‘silos’ that

on meat and dairy. Every meal affects the landscape somewhere and the Wildlife Trusts, with their huge membership, are in a position to make a difference at the human end of the food chain if they dare! I confess to being an organic farmer and believe in the ‘goodness’ brought to the land by rotation and avoiding agrochemicals. I am sad organic doesn’t seem to feature much in the wildlife world’s outlook, perhaps because they don’t fully understand what is involved in organic certiﬁcation, and possibly because they espouse the ‘land sparing’ principle whereby some land is set aside for biodiversity and the rest is ‘sacriﬁced’ to intensive farming to produce ‘cheap’ food which costs the earth.

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21/11/2019 09:57

SIVE U L C X E ER MEMB R OFFE

Time to clean up from the green up? T Now has never been a better time to seek ground rent from energy leases worth up to £8m. But it has never been a worse time to start with a single developer, as Hugh Taylor of independent power and energy consultancy Roadnight Taylor explains

he average landowner’s chances of getting an energy scheme are greater now than ever. All scales from 2MW to 50MW can now be viable, from gas gensets on a quarter of an acre connecting at 11kV, to solar on 200 acres connecting at 132kV. Wind, solar, gas and battery storage can all now provide good opportunities in the new, subsidy-free era.

One-trick ponies Developers have become increasingly specialised,

MEMBER OFFER To find out if you have a realistic opportunity for power scheme sites on your land, Roadnight Taylor is offering CLA members their Stop/GoTM feasibility study from £395+VAT (a discount of £100). If your site has genuine potential for a scheme, Roadnight Taylor can submit a grid application for your site for the best technology and scale on your behalf on a no-win-no-fee basis. If they secure you a viable offer, they can then get you the

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p15 Member offer_December 2019_Land & Business 15

with the best teams focusing on specific technologies and targeting a narrow range of grid capacities and connection voltages. But, because developers specialise in technologies, scales and voltages, there has never been a worse time to sign a letter of authority with the first developer that knocks at your door. If you sign with one developer, it may well be the wrong one for your specific grid connection opportunity, which significantly reduces your chances of success.

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Grid capacity is changing but will go quickly Don’t be put off by an apparent lack of grid capacity. It’s changing all the time. Failed projects release capacity and the network operators are reconﬁguring networks, or monitoring them in real time, to enable new ones. But this spare capacity will get used up quickly, and to access it you need to know who to ask, what to ask, and how to interpret their answers. In 2019, the level of grid expertise needed to unlock a site’s potential is greater than ever before. So, it’s now vital to get independent expert advice to ensure any grid application is for the right technology and scale, and is submitted on your own behalf (not a developer’s) to ensure you get the best offers and terms.

LAND & BUSINESS | DECEMBER 2019 15

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OPINION

Counterpoint CLIMATE CHANGE

A regular Land & Business column offering a different point of view

Soil not oil

CO U PO NTER INT -

We need to bridge the gap between farmers, conservationists and the antimeat movement to show agriculture can be part of the solution

16 DECEMBER 2019 | LAND & BUSINESS

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farmers can kickstart the transition to an adaptive agricultural revolution that can move from niche to mainstream, sharing their knowledge with other farmers. Farmers and conservationists together with the anti-meat noise have created territories that now must be bridged in this climate and ecological emergency. There are real signs of hope as dialogues continue to develop between farmers, academics and consumers. XR Farmers know that farmers can be part of the solution and not part of the problem. We are calling for a national food, farming and nature policy that mitigates climate change, secures food resilience, restores nature and soil systems, supports and enriches rural communities and economies and is a key driver for healthy eating and wellbeing.

‘What we all agreed on is that we need government to act, and act fast’

government to act, and act fast. We want to break out of our echo chamber and get to the heart of the debate. To overturn the notion that farming is just big business and to show that regenerative farmers are already taking signiﬁcant steps to mitigate climate change and halt biodiversity loss. The UK farming community holds a repository of knowledge and skills that have become less understood and valued. Farmers feel more and more that little distinction is made between nature friendly farming and industrial agriculture. Regenerative

MAIN IMAGE: RICHARD DAWSON / HEADSHOT: PETER RHYS WILLIAMS

t might be fair to say that putting Extinction Rebellion (XR) and farmers in the same sentence makes for uneasy bedfellows. Farmers don’t do protest, or do they? From the Rebecca Riots to the Farmers for Action marches farmers have mobilised to protest against injustice, be it unfair farm rents or farm gate prices. So why not climate change? Farmers are, after all, at the forefront of global warming. We are seeing it on our farms, day to day. In April 2019 XR staged its ﬁrst London Rebellion to demand that the government take action on the climate change emergency. Critics levelled the charge that the organisation consisted of a bunch of white middle class hippies. In response XR formed the Movement of Movements to encourage ordinary professionals, such as doctors, lawyers and farmers, to join. Myself and XR Farmers co-founder and livestock farmer, Dagan James, saw this as an opportunity to share our on-farm experiences and promote a positive farming message. We are, like most farmers, more at home in our ﬁelds than on the streets and we are certainly not a bunch of hippies. In October we took our pink John Deere on a road trip to London to join the Rebellion. What we all agreed on is that we need

cla.org.uk

21/11/2019 09:58

SARAH SHUFFELL XR FARMERS @XRFarmers

CLA BUSINESS DIRECTORY ONLINE We welcome the following new members:

East

HAVE YOUR SAY Email tan.parsons @cla.org.uk

LA’S C E TH IEW V CLA Director General Sarah Hendry writes: The CLA and other farming organisations are working hard to get out the message that farming is part of the solution to climate change. But things like the XR Farmers’ pink tractor are far more effective than any number of press articles. We need many more eye-catching stories from farmers and landowners

The more we talk to fellow farmers, the more we ﬁnd shared narratives. Be it post-Brexit trade, last year’s drought or this year’s extreme rainfall, all point to a very uncertain future in a climate-changed world. What started with a John Deere 3350, painted pink, a road trip to London with 15 farmers and a sheepdog has, over a couple of months, grown into something much bigger. A chance to address MPs in Westminster, coverage in national press, TV and radio and a combined membership and social media following of 4,000. We will keep pushing forward and continue to lobby government for a new farming, food and nature policy that has at its heart: soil not oil.

in the year ahead, to drive home the point. Land use will be a huge topic at the United Nations climate summit in Glasgow next year. Countries will debate what to do about the 2019 report on land use and climate change by the Intergovermental Panel on Climate Change. The UK government’s strategy on the climate emergency is to set a leadership example with the 2050 net zero target. UK farming is setting its own strong international example by committing to achieving net zero. We now need

other countries to follow suit – both to avert the worst effects of climate change and to secure a level playing field for trade. Showing that good climate practice is already happening on working farms, as the XR Farmers are, is an important part of putting pressure on reluctant countries, like the USA. The CLA is working on practical advice on how to reduce farming’s carbon footprint so that CLA members can play their part in tackling climate change with confidence.

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cla.org.uk

19/11/2019 12:48

LOBBYING L

RURAL BUSINESS

ELEANOR WOOD CLA PUBLIC AFFAIRS MANAGER eleanor.wood@cla.org.uk 020 7235 0511 @CLAEleanorW

The campaign trail The general election oﬀers a brilliant chance to engage with your local parliamentary candidates on rural issues

IMAGE: ISTOCK

ecember, traditionally the month of parties and frivolity, has been hijacked this year with a snap general election due to take place on 12 December. Instead of carol singers expect to see all of the political parties out in force trying to secure your vote. This election has come about through sheer political necessity as there was simply not enough support to get legislation through the House of Commons without one or the other side of the Brexit argument sabotaging the We have already received backing process. This also means that vital from candidates across the political legislation such as the Agriculture spectrum. and Environment bills (which Candidates are recognising would have granted much needed the importance of the Rural certainty to the rural community) Powerhouse and how it could will start from scratch when a new unleash the untapped potential of parliament is formed. the countryside. I would urge you, if The Prime Minister is taking a risk you are seeing your local candidate with this election, and only when before the election to push them we know the result on to publicly show 13 December will we their support for the be able to say whether campaign. The Rural THE RURAL VOICE it has paid off or not. Powerhouse will Mostly importantly, whichever party you’ve decided The CLA launched its of course outlive to back at this general Rural Powerhouse the election period election, I urge you to go campaign (see page but it signals a new out and vote. The rural 12) in coordination period for CLA economy needs strong repwith the start of lobbying in which resentation in Westminster. the general election we focus on the Find the details of your process to focus minds key areas that will local polling station at on what is needed for deliver prosperity wheredoIvote.co.uk the rural economy. and growth for

members across the country. But election periods are a vital time to talk to your local prospective MPs, as they are unburdened by responsibilities in Westminster and focused purely on their local constituency in an attempt to be elected. Chances to see your local candidates are fairly frequent and the CLA is running several hustings (check with your local CLA team for details). But you can also contact your local candidates by email and social media. Conversations with candidates at the very early stages of their prospective careers as politicians can have an effect much later when the issues of farming or rural connectivity occur in the chamber. Politicians are much better able to understand a complex topic such as the future of payments, for instance, if it is explained to them in a personal context rather than as statistics on a piece of a paper. It’s very hard right now to say what the political landscape will look like in 2020, but there is deﬁnitely a need to move on from the stagnation that has blighted 2019, with people across the country facing uncertainty about what the Brexit process will mean for their business or their farm. Whatever happens though the CLA will continue to lobby on behalf of all our members.

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cla.org.uk

19/11/2019 12:49

ADVICE

PAYMENT FOR PUBLIC GOODS

HARRY GREENFIELD CLA SENIOR LAND USE ADVISER harry.greenfield@cla.org.uk @HarryGreenTweet 020 7235 0511

Get in the black by going green Ambitious environmental policies and growing public demand can open market opportunities for landowners

a raft of major policies has been proposed, many of which point towards new markets and opportunities from environmental conservation and management. These ﬂagship policies include an Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS), based on the principle of public payments for delivering environmental public goods. The aspiration to embed biodiversity net gain within the planning system will ensure that developers pay to protect or replace any wildlife habitat lost or damaged in the development process. And ﬁnally, the commitment to net zero greenhouse gas emissions has added a

Increasing political pressure Although the legislative process has stalled while we await the results of the general election, it seems improbable that any new government, regardless of political ﬂavour, will radically change direction. The environment, both the threat of climate change and, increasingly, the decline in wildlife, is moving ever higher up the agenda. Increased public awareness and concern will put pressure on politicians and policy-makers to protect and enhance our natural environment. The business world has already taken this on board and is increasing its focus on environmental sustainability based on a long-term view of their relationship with and dependency on the natural environment. Businesses’ continued ability to operate may be threatened by environmental degradation. For example, the healthy soil and thriving pollinators that are vital to agri-food supply chains or the risk to business infrastructure from increased ﬂood risks. And over it all looms the threat of reputational risk for those who hope that society will turn a blind eye to their impacts,

IMAGES: ALAMY / ISTOCK

n 2009 the CLA produced a report called Private Solutions to Public Problems which extolled the virtues of environmental markets, and the role for land owners within them. Where the CLA leads, others often follow. The idea that the beneﬁts provided from sustainable land management have a ﬁnancial value has only gathered pace in the intervening decade, embraced enthusiastically by business and government alike. Nowhere more so recently than in Defra, especially when Michael Gove was at the helm. Since the referendum on EU membership,

new urgency to discussions on climate change and the future role of land use in mitigating its worst effects.

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PAYMENT FOR PUBLIC GOODS

ADVICE

whether plastic pollution or fossil fuel emissions. And so, both the public and private sectors are investing more time, thought and money into going green. This produces great opportunities for those who own or manage land. Land is the home of wildlife, the site of future woodland to absorb carbon, and the place where a citizen increasingly disconnected from the natural world can beneﬁt from enjoyment of the countryside.

No need to wait Once you begin to think about the environmental and social value that land management can produce it becomes clear that much of the country’s land is either under-used or under-valued. The benefits already provided are rarely valued and even less likely to be paid for by the beneficiaries. At the same time, land that is focused on delivering an (often precarious) economic return could add value by maximising its social and environmental return. Government policy in England and Wales is likely to encourage this more capacious conception of the value of land. But CLA members do not need to wait for policy to be determined. Indeed, many are forging ahead and taking advantage of emerging environmental markets, or even creating their own. Our Rural Business Conference in November has shown some examples of this and there are many others (see January’s Land & Business for a full report of the conference). From the increased value of eco-tourism, to the fledgling markets for “green prescribing” (encouraging people to

‘Increased public awareness and concern will put pressure on politicians and policy-makers to protect and enhance our natural environment’’

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be outdoors for health reasons) or the possibility of biodiversity off-setting (as described in my article on biodiversity net gain and interview with The Environment Bank in Land & Business July 2019). Building these markets may take time and involves bringing together buyers and sellers of environmental beneﬁts. While the government can help encourage these markets, and may be the main actor in some of them, others will be driven by private enterprise and local connections.

net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 (or before). While much focus will be on cutting carbon emissions from all sectors of the economy (including agriculture), the other side of the coin is the ability to sequester carbon from the atmosphere and store it in the soil or in trees. Changing land use is a key opportunity to combat climate change, whether from creating woodlands, restoring peatlands or managing grasslands. Encouraged by government, and supported enthusiastically by the private sector, these markets will only continue to develop. The CLA is at the forefront of this, ensuring that the environmental value of land, both to individuals and to society as a whole, is better understood and that the economic opportunities are developed.

The carbon market

We are helping members prepare to take advantage of environmental market opportunities. We will shortly release a guidance note for members which will examine these markets and natural capital in more detail. Until then I would urge farmers and land managers to think carefully about the environmental beneﬁts they deliver and how to maximise them. When it comes to the future of the rural economy, ‘it’s the environment, stupid’!

One of the largest potential environmental markets is the carbon market. Markets already exist but are fragmented and hindered by a low carbon price and the voluntary nature of the market. Businesses can choose to off-set their emissions, by investing in tree-planting for example, but there is no requirement to do so. This could change with a serious commitment to achieving

Preparing to capitalise

cla.org.uk

21/11/2019 10:09

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19/11/2019 12:52

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Rights of way disputes are more common than you might think and can have a significant impact on your business. Disputes specialist Tim Wolley at Bowcock & Pursaill Solicitors explains how rights of way are created and the common problems which lead to legal headaches

Four common rights of way problems

lso known as an easement, a right of way is the right to access land (the dominant land) over another’s property (the servient land). If a right of way has been established, in most instances it is stated in your property deeds. They can arise in several ways but are usually: Via a Deed of Grant agreed between the two parties which states the terms of the easement. Implied by law in certain circumstances.

Where a piece of land has been used repeatedly and openly without the landowner’s permission for at least 20 years and there is evidence to support this. This is referred to as Prescription or a Prescriptive right of way.

OUR TOP 4 COMMON RIGHTS OF WAY PROBLEMS FOR LANDOWNERS:

You think you have a right of way to your land as it has been that way for years, but someone has challenged it.

This problem is borne out of an assumption there is a legal right of way but there isn’t. If the easement for a right of way has not been written into any property deed, it will be up to you to provide evidence that the land has or has not been used as a right of way for

24 DECEMBER 2019 | LAND & BUSINESS

26 Advertorial_December 2019_Land & Business 24

20 years or more without force, secrecy or permission.

You are using a right of way for a farm track and now want to build on it. Substantial interference with the enjoyment of an easement can give rise to legal action under private nuisance and providing an alternative right of way may not offset the interference. In such cases substantial interference is judged on whether the right can be practically and substantially exercised as conveniently as before the obstruction occurred. This will depend on the nature of the easement and the interference caused.

be the context in which the provision was granted. If it has been used for vehicles, such as horse carts generally over time, it is likely to be interpreted to include their successor—i.e. motor vehicles. Evidence of use is therefore important, however, disputes of this nature can be extremely costly, and a mediated solution can be the best outcome for all concerned.

To what extent can you open up a right of way with access points?

A new gate can be opened in a different position on to an existing right of way if the right of way is a public right of way or where your deed of grant speciﬁcally provides for it. In addition, Your documents drawn when interpreting the deed granting the up in 1939 say an area easement usually a court may grant in is for vehicular favour of the owner use, but does of the dominant land, that still apply unless there are words to the modern which explicitly limit vehicle you are the access to any one using? point or number of The extent of an points. However, it can expressly granted depend on the reason GET IN TOUCH easement such as a for the change. Creating 20 than more Tim Wolley has right of way depends several openings along a years’ experience in handling and resolving a wide variety on the interpretation right of way to facilitate of disputes for both private of the deed granting development of the and commercial clients, and the easement and on land may be deemed to Bowcock & Pursaill Solicitors are its context. The court be excessive use of the members of the Agricultural will normally construe right of way. Law Association. the grant in favour of the grantee or owner of W bowcockpursaill.co.uk the dominant land, but T 01782 200007 where there is a dispute, E tw@bowcockpursaill.co.uk the starting point will

cla.org.uk

21/11/2019 09:59

ADVICE

LAND AGREEMENTS

ROGER TETLOW CLA SENIOR LEGAL ADVISER roger.tetlow@cla.org.uk 020 7235 0511

Keeping out of trouble It pays to put land agreements in writing and register them promptly

eglecting to register changes agreed between neighbours to such things as easements, covenants or boundary agreements can have a disastrous effect, as in the recent case of Pezaro v Bourne [2019]. Mr and Mrs Pezaro’s property was burdened by a right for the neighbouring property owner, Mr Ayers, to be able to walk along a footpath across the Pezaros’ rear garden to access a nearby road. The Pezaros decided that they wished to develop part of their garden for the purposes of a new house and this would necessitate removing Mr Ayers’ right to walk across

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

This case is a clear warning to those entering into agreements relating to land. The key lessons learned from this are to ensure both that:

IMAGE: ISTOCK

All agreements relating to land should be documented in writing and signed by all relevant parties, and should include an obligation on one party to register the agreement at the Land Registry completion.

the proposed building plot. Oral agreement was reached between them to remove the right of way. In practice Mr Ayers hadn’t used the path in the 11 years he had lived there and he agreed to give up the right on payment of his legal fees. The Pezaros decided that they wished to attempt to gain planning permission ﬁrst before taking any formal steps to extinguish the right of way. The process went on for a while and in the course of it the Pesaros moved to New Zealand and let out their property. Also during this time Mr Ayers sold his property to a property company which offered “cash for your house” quickly who subsequently resold it to Mr and Mrs Bourne. The beneﬁt of the right of way remained registered on their title. Subsequently in 2011 the Pezaros were successful in obtaining planning permission for their new house and Mrs Pezaro telephoned Mr Ayers from New Zealand to tell him the news and request that the title deeds be changed to remove the registration of the right of way. It was at this stage that the Pezaros discovered Mr Ayers had sold his property and, on contacting Mr and Mrs Bourne, discovered that they were unwilling to cooperate in the removal of the right of way from the title. Legal proceedings ensued. Mr and Mrs Pezaro attempted

to rely on the doctrine of proprietary estoppel to bind Mr and Mrs Bourne to the oral agreement they had reached with Mr Ayers. Proprietary estoppel is an equitable concept which arises where: (i) The owner of land induces, encourages or allows the claimant to believe that he has or will enjoy some right or beneﬁt over the owner’s land: (ii) In reliance upon this belief, the claimant acted to his detriment to the knowledge of the owner: and (iii) The owner then seeks to take unconscionable advantage by denying him the right or beneﬁt which he expected to receive. Not altogether unsurprisingly the claim was not successful. The court decided that a verbal agreement by a previous land owner cannot be binding on a new owner of the land and the doctrine of proprietary estoppel could not be relied on in this case. The right of way continued to exist and was an encumbrance to the Pezaros’ development site. See a selection of legal service providers on page 64.

LAND & BUSINESS | DECEMBER 2019 25

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cla.org.uk

19/11/2019 12:55

CLIMATE CHANGE

ADVICE

T Ǡ

he climate crisis and the enormous global response to it is showing no signs of slowing down. The UK government has set a new greenhouse gas emissions target, protest group Extinction Rebellion took to the streets for an ‘Autumn Uprising’ and Greta Thunberg made global headlines for her impassioned speech at the UN summit in New York. While all this has been happening, the CLA has been getting down to business behind the scenes trying to

ALICE RITCHIE CLA LAND USE ADVISER alice.ritchie@cla.org.uk @alicertchie 020 7235 0511

answer the question: ‘what next?’ The new climate change target, net-zero greenhouse gases by 2050, is ambitious but achievable. Crucially, however, it is only achievable through major action in the agriculture and land use sectors. This means planting more trees, restoring peatland, building the bioenergy industry and transitioning to low-carbon farming. For this reason, the CLA has been looking into what policies would be enough to incentivise this level of land use change, and how we can support the net-zero goal while continuing to

Tackling climate change:

What next for our land?

produce high-quality food. To answer these big questions, the CLA has set up a Climate Change Panel. This is made up of members from across England and Wales who are interested in climate change and who are actively working on changing their land use or reducing emissions. The panel met for the ﬁrst time in October to contribute directly to the Committee on Climate Change (CCC), a body that gives independent advice to government and which is writing a new report on land use. The chair of the CCC Land Use Advisory Group, Professor Allan Buckwell, a former policy director at the CLA, attended the meeting to hear from members how land use policies can be workable for farmers and landowners. The CCC is focusing on a number of speciﬁc policy areas for its report:

Forestry and woodland The CCC has big targets of around 1.5m hectares of new woodland by 2050. At the moment, there aren’t many incentives out there for

IMAGE: ISTOCK

With climate change making headlines across the world, the CLA is looking at how we can reduce emissions while still producing great food

LAND & BUSINESS | DECEMBER 2019 27

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ADVICE

Cutting peat blocks for traditional fuel

CLIMATE CHANGE

Agroforestry

encourage the planting of bioenergy crops including improving access to infrastructure and helping farmers to ﬁnd ways to make it work within a wider farm system.

Peatland

Agro-forestry The CCC is aiming to double ‘trees on farms’ including hedgerows and shelter belts. Many CLA members have miles upon miles of hedgerows and plenty of individual trees dotted around. The CLA Climate Change Panel has suggested that the government should look more closely into research on silvoarable and silvopasture techniques to help incorporate trees into existing farm systems.

Bioenergy Bioenergy currently has low uptake in England and Wales and boosting the industry will be crucial to

28 DECEMBER 2019 | LAND & BUSINESS

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reaching the net-zero goal, as energy produced from crops is able to displace fossil fuels. The CLA’s panel has called on government to ﬁnd ways to

MEASURE YOUR CARBON USE For CLA guidance on how to measure your carbon use search for “GN24-19” at cla.org.uk (login required). TOOLS TO MEASURE YOUR CARBON USE INCLUDE: Cool Farm Tool This covers greenhouse gases, biodiversity and water. It spans various farm systems and covers both emissions and sequestration. W coolfarmtool.org The Farm Carbon Cutting Toolkit This provides plenty of practical information for farmers, as well as a Farm Carbon Calculator W farmcarbontoolkit.org.uk

Restoring peatland and avoiding further degradation of peat soils is extremely important, as peatland is a massive store of carbon. The CLA is asking for government to recognise the diversity of upland and lowland peat and to not take a ‘one size ﬁts all’ approach to rewetting peatland.

Low carbon farming Agriculture contributes 10% of total UK emissions, so the CLA has been looking at ways to reduce on-farm emissions. Farmers need help and advice to measure and then manage their on-farm emissions and the CLA has produced a guidance note for members called GN24-19 Carbon accounting which runs through all the options for different farm systems (see left). As climate change policy progresses, the CLA Land Use team will continue to call upon the collective expertise of the CLA Climate Change Panel to make sure farmers and landowners remain at the forefront of action on climate change.

IMAGE: ISTOCK / ALAMY

landowners to consider planting trees and there are signiﬁcant barriers in the form of capital costs, proﬁtability and lack of expertise. The CLA Climate Change Panel has been looking at policies to overcome those barriers including grant funding, payments for public goods and improvements to the tax regime.

cla.org.uk

21/11/2019 10:10

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cla.org.uk

19/11/2019 12:58

RENEWABLE ENERGY

ADVICE

A Ǡ

s landowners our leading role and ability to assist in carbon reduction targets has been recognised and promoted by Defra in the past. Many government committees and independent think tanks have also put signiﬁcant emphasis on the way we use land as a key tool in achieving the nation’s 2050 decarbonisation targets. Throughout 2018 landowners, community projects and small businesses were responsible for £1.8bn of sustainable energy production. Landowners in this period invested £158m in renewable energy projects, resulting in 329MW of additional capacity. As a result, the independent renewables sector now has a capacity of 14.1 GW, predominantly produced by a mix of solar panels (photovoltaic) and wind turbines.

What opportunities are there for landowners? The feed in tariff (FIT), which was accredited with the dramatic increase in solar photovoltaic (PV) construction, closed to new applicants in March

ELLIOTT RILLIE CLA POLICY RESEARCHER elliott.rillie@cla.org.uk 01685 352730

2019. This crashed new installation There is no longer any subsidy and the numbers by 95%. The FIT has not been SEG carries no guaranteed payments. replaced, but from 1 January 2020 it is In addition there is no defined length being superseded by the Smart Export of the contract. A single rate may not Guarantee (SEG). cover the lifetime of the technology. The SEG aims to ensure wind and While there won’t be a minimum solar generate payment when selling rate for the tariff, the indications from through the national grid. This has early tariffs currently available is that a significant potential to payment of around 5.5p reduce entrepreneurs’ per kilowatt hour may be inability to budget for on offer. The government ADVICE renewable projects, does state that it will If you would like something which intervene should energy advice about investing has often hindered suppliers not provide in renewable energy production contact your sufficiently competitive investment in the past. local CLA office – go to tariffs, offering some A word of caution cla.org.uk/your-area though – it should be budgetary confidence Always check your tax for investors, but does noted that the payment position before making not elaborate on what it is not set – it must an investment simply be “more than defines as ‘competitive’. 0p/kWh” at all times. Despite this, it still

Powering up

With mitigation of climate change ﬁrmly on the agenda, renewable energy oﬀers landowning businesses a range of possibilities

IMAGE: GETTY

A l wa inde ys seek p b e e n d e re l i a b cont fore yount advic le yo u r a c t c o s i g n e ener to a re mmittina i s i g y p ro n e wa b g sure n order ject – thle t i i yo u r t i s s u i t o m a k e s busi able your ness a for need nd s.

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RENEWABLE ENERGY

ADVICE

opens up opportunities to invest with greater future security than is currently possible. The scheme would apply for solar PV, wind, hydro and anaerobic digestion systems up to 5 Mega Watts (MW) and combined heat and power systems up to 50 kilowatts. Currently 5MW solar farms are not viable, but to give a rough estimate, the theoretical area required for a 5MW solar development in Southern England currently is 20 acres, so developments for the purpose of ancillary income streams would be covered under this. The export guarantee does not as of yet cover storage options because to be eligible it must be a production technology. However, a given energy supplier may choose to offer a tariff in this scenario in any case.

You will need a certificate To qualify for the SEG, small scale generators will have to have renewable energy systems installed to meet the standards of the Microgeneration Certiﬁcation Scheme (MCS). Payment of the SEG will not be linked to or

affected by any other grants or loans, meaning it can assist investment grants. The exception is the feed-in tariff that preceded it. Be alert to any new-build sites or large local consumers. Signiﬁcant opportunities for future income from renewable energy sales may exist if one can plan to install infrastructure enabling a localised energy grid on private wiring. This is a high-risk tactic, however, and relies on the consumption patterns of the end user. But can also result in higher returns if it is well-planned.

developer has decision making power over and in the quantity needed for the desired capacity. Legal or voluntary protections also then add further layers to barriers involved in limiting development prospects, increasing costs and planning rejections. As we enter a new chapter in the renewables market, post-Brexit, there are lots of opportunities for landowners with an ambition to invest in energy production. The crucial factor is to choose a technology that will suit your business and your location.

Investment options The key point to note before any investment in energy production, is that the right technology depends on the usage of the consumer. No technology is likely to cover the needs on its own: there needs to be a mix of sources, storage use or grid balancing as a backup. The primary drawback of renewable energy technologies is their dependence on the resource being present on the land for which the

FURTHER INFORMATION Smart Export Guarantee – go to ofgem.gov.uk and search “Smart Export Guarantee” Micro Generation Certificate – Go to ofgem.gov.uk and search “Microgeneration Certification Scheme” See page 15 for a CLA Member Offer to assess opportunities for power schemes on your land. See our selection of products and services on page 50.

Renewable energy technologies – which is right for you? TECHNOLOGY

PROS

CONS

Solar PV

Resource practically anywhere, depending on size and output desired.

Wind (Onshore)

Minimal disturbance to current operations in Often unpopular with local people who do not most cases. financially benefit. The resource is intermittent on small scale turbines away from high constant airflows.

Hydro power

Continual and more predictable output in theory, depending on environmental factors.

Site specific and often contentious with other waterway users. Maintenance can be tricky on medium-sized plants.

Wave power

Does not infringe in any way to current operations and stays almost invisible.

Fixed site, requires heat consumption to be local to production, very difficult to store.

Combined heat and power

Uses more of the potential energy output for the same fuel input.

Fixed site, requires heat consumption to be local to production, can be very difficult to store.

Diversification Large spaces required for commercial output and competes with current land use. Resource not always reliable to rated capacity. Beware increased risk in recent past from misselling by third parties.

Efficiency enhancement Anaerobic Digestion

Can use up ‘useless’ material that might otherwise just go to waste.

Smell can be undesirable without reduction technology, infrastructure needed and maintenance can be complicated.

Heat Recovery

Uses energy more efficiently and takes away from the cost of creating heat which is normally energy expensive.

Does not produce energy, so only cost reduction, no real prospect of income. Needs consumption to be local to heat source.

*For those living in Wales: Planning acceptance and powers of consent for renewable energy schemes up to 350MW are devolved matters.

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

CLA Chief Surveyor Andrew Shirley

Transform farm incomes and lower emissions

arming causes around 10% of UK greenhouse gas emissions and reaching ‘net zero’ is now top priority, with a new range of incentives likely to feature heavily in future agricultural policy. Farmers will play a significant part in the replacement of fossil-derived fuels with low-carbon or carbonnegative alternatives. Not only is this crucial for the environment, with agriculture presenting a big part of the solution to the supply of renewable heating fuels, it’s profitable. Farmers and landowners wanting to find out more about diversification opportunities in renewable energy are urged to attend Energy and Rural Business Show, taking place in the East of England Arena in Peterborough, on 3-4 March 2020. Run in association with the CLA, the show incorporates three key areas which are set to define farm businesses of the future. The event features three Expos: The Energy Now Expo, Rural Business Expo and Low Emission Vehicles Expo.

digestion and biogas, biomass, heat pumps, hydropower and solar New conference sessions for the 2020 event include: the optimisation of AD plants, identifying and maximising the value of agri CLA East Director waste streams and soil carbon Ben Underwood ATTEND FOR FREE management considers it an CLA members can A dedicated energy important event attend the show free storage theatre in their show of charge and have exclusive access to the A one-to-one renewables calendar. “With VIP area. To register, visit advice clinic the ongoing energyandruralbusiness. An exhibition showcasing the uncertainty facing co.uk or call 01293 854401. latest farm diversification and landowners and renewable energy opportunities rural businesses, ‘How-To’ farm diversification this event provides workshops a great opportunity to explore new The Low-Emission Vehicles ideas,” he says. Expo, providing expert advice on The CLA team will be on stand opportunities in low carbon cars and 52 to give advice to members on machines, with vehicles available to complex factors involved when test drive considering a diversification project The most cutting-edge developments and Andrew Shirley, CLA Chief in renewable technology Surveyor, will chair the keynote Updates on government policies session on day one of the conference. and support

Energy and Rural Business Show highlights include:

New for 2020, The Big Debate on ‘Achieving Net Zero - the role of the agricultural & rural communities’ Dedicated conference sessions on opportunities in anaerobic LAND & BUSINESS | DECEMBER 2019 33

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FEATURE

The new agricultural revolution griculture is faced with “One of the biggest threats we face, colossal challenges. A climate change, not as just a natural growing population phenomenon, but as a consequence which needs of human activity on the planet, is feeding, catastrophic internationally recognised as a threat to biodiversity loss and our existence. the threat of climate emergency. “The “At the heart of this is the move away next three decades will see the greatest from fossil-based hydrocarbon products shake-up of agriculture and rural which contribute to carbon emissions land use since the British agricultural signiﬁcantly and are being consumed at revolution over two centuries ago,” a far higher rate than the fossilisation predicts William Cracroft-Eley, who process,” he says. farms in Lincolnshire. “As we move away from a fossil-based He believes that what and how to a plant-based economy, miscanthus we farm is not only damaging to the presents huge potential.” environment and public health, it’s William suggests that fast growing damaging to farming perennial crops such itself. “We’re in a vicious as miscanthus have a cycle and if we don’t signiﬁcant role to play as FIND OUT MORE make seismic changes a longer-term rotational W terravesta.com/markets to the way we manage crop. “A miscanthus crop land, we will be in crisis. for 10 years will absorb

more carbon than it releases, leave the soil undisturbed, making weed seeds unviable, offer a disease break for many common arable diseases, and lay down organic matter to enhance fertility, soil life and biodiversity.” He says that markets for largescale heat and power generation are growing and there are exciting secondgeneration markets emerging from biorefining miscanthus for advanced end-uses, including degradable bioplastics, pharmaceuticals, bio-ethanol and biogas production, as well as fibre uses for construction, materials and furniture. “The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has a target of 1.4 million ha of perennial biomass crops to be planted in the UK and has calculated that this is sustainable, without posing a risk to food production,” William adds. Terravesta is working with worldleading plant scientists to develop new miscanthus varieties, aiming to further build on the improvements of the rhizome-based variety Terravesta Athena launched by the firm this year, with the added benefit of being cultivated from seed. “This will mean that new markets for the crop will need to continue to develop,” adds William.

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William Cracroft-Eley, CLA member and chairman of miscanthus specialist Terravesta, has been championing the use of this energy crop to help to alleviate some of the key issues facing farming

IMAGE: ISTOCK

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FEATURE

Newly elected CLA President Mark Bridgeman believes private landowners must tell their story if we are to unlock the full potential of the rural economy, writes Tan Parsons

Taking the reins

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PHOTOGRAPHY: GRAEME PEACOCK

ark Bridgeman has taken office as the CLA’s 54th President at a key juncture for the rural economy. At this moment the nature of the UK’s future relationship with the EU and the shape of future UK agricultural policy are yet to be decided, and the climate emergency and landowners’ part in it are under scrutiny. There are clearly significant risks for the sector. But there are also tremendous opportunities, and with his experience – in the world of finance and as owner and manager of the Fallodon Estate in Northumberland – Mark is well placed to lead the CLA through this crucial period. Mark identifies four key focuses for his term in office: the Agriculture Bill, the Environment Bill, climate change and ensuring that the transition away from the CAP to a new payment for public goods system is carefully managed. Mark says: “Inevitably we will be working with what is brought forward by the new government, whatever its complexion. We are going to face an Agriculture Bill that has been on hold for the last year, so does that come back in its current form, or what changes will be made?” The Environment Bill will hugely affect rural

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businesses, he believes, as it starts to put in place some of the ideas from the government’s 25 Year Environment Plan, particularly alongside the legally binding commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. “It will inevitably mean a massive restructuring of the UK economy – far greater than I think many people really understand and it’s going to take some time,” Mark says. “But we as landowners and farmers really have a great opportunity to provide some of the offsets. But it will dramatically impact us as well.”

60 SECONDS WITH MARK BRIDGEMAN What are your hobbies? I love riding with my children, round the farm and on the beach. We’ve always had horses at home. I enjoy lots of different sports – I’m a jack of all trades, master of none. What’s your favourite band? I’m a big fan of Coldplay. What ambitions do you have outside work? To give my children a happy childhood and bring them up to be secure and confident to face the future. The other thing is to see continuous improvements to Fallodon. Which team do you support? Newcastle United FC What’s your favourite meal? Fillet steak (medium rare) with béarnaise sauce, French fries and spinach What’s your favourite place in the world? Ros Castle in Northumberland looking west to the Cheviots and east to the Northumberland coast What’s the last book you read? The Running Hare by John LewisStempel What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career? There are two: Trust those you delegate to, and complete a job and move on. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? Forgiveness and not bearing grudges. Who’s the most inspiring person you’ve met? Nelson Mandela – for his ability to forgive, to lead and inspire.

From Northumberland to London, Sydney and New York The Fallodon Estate was bought by Mark’s grandfather Harry in 1946. While Mark knew he would one day take over the estate, he decided first to follow his father Peter’s advice and pursue a path away from agriculture. After leaving Durham University, Mark spent 19 years as a fund manager at asset management firm Schroders, working in London, Sydney and New York. It was an excellent preparation for when he returned in 2006 to manage the family farm and estate. His experience in financial planning meant he was not afraid of borrowing against the land to fund projects – something the previous generation had been wary of. A good example was his investment in a housing development on his farm land on the edge of the village of Embleton. Both the first phase of 39 homes and the second stage of 16 homes, currently under construction, have affordable properties for sale for local occupancy. These are sold at a 30% discount to the market price which must be maintained in perpetuity. Mark hopes the housing will bring investment to the local area and support the village’s amenities. “Success for me will be seeing the local village thrive,” Mark says. “Of course any development has a commercial element to it, but I think it should always be balanced with a community-minded vision.”

An award-winning holiday business With his wife Lucia, Mark has developed an important income stream for the estate with a holiday let business. They converted old farm buildings into holiday lets and in 2013 Brunton House was renovated to an award winning 5 star eight-bedroom holiday house. Today the portfolio includes four holiday lets, sleeping 28 people (bruntoncottages.co.uk). “The key challenge for land-based businesses is we can’t move our land, so we have to identify the best opportunities for the assets we have,” says Mark. LAND & BUSINESS | DECEMBER 2019 37

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FEATURE

Fallodon’s award winning holiday accommodation

“I would love to run a business park but given our location that’s quite challenging. But we are in an area that’s very beautiful and very popular with tourists and we developed a business from scratch that is now a very considerable contributor to the overall proﬁtability of the estate.” Investing into the estate has boosted the local economy too. Today Fallodon employs the equivalent of 10 full time people – double the number when Mark took over.

We must tell our story One of Mark’s main ambitions for his term as CLA President is to promote the positive contributions of private land ownership and its role in solving some of society’s great challenges, such as tackling climate change and the housing crisis. Agriculture currently accounts for 10% of UK greenhouse gas emissions – through fuel consumption, chemical fertilisers or methane from livestock. But landowners have a vital role in mitigating the effects of climate change through carbon sequestration – for instance by planting trees. “Everyone in society can reduce their carbon emissions,” says Mark. “However, only those that own and manage the land can offset the emissions through absorbing carbon.” A key tactic for the CLA will be promoting the contribution of landowners through the media, says Mark, but all CLA members have a responsibility to tell the story about our positive role in these areas. “It’s down to each one of us, individually in our own businesses, to demonstrate what we’re doing. Social media and the internet more generally are a great way of doing that. We can also write in our local parish magazines or local newspapers and explain the positive things that we’re doing.”

Unlocking the rural economy’s true potential An important part of the CLA’s work is pushing government to make sure the structures supporting the rural economy are robust and effective. Mark chairs a group of 60 farmers in Northumberland who are taking part in a test for the new Environmental Land Management

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CV - MARK BRIDGEMAN Education School – Ampleforth College University – Durham (Masters in politics) Career 19 years at Schroders as a fund manager in London, Sydney and New York Now on the board of two London listed investment trusts and a trustee of the Weston Park Foundation

Scheme (ELMS), a system that Landowning business will very likely dictate how Owns the Fallodon Estate in farmers are paid for delivering Northumberland and has managed public goods in future. “Our it since 2006. test is about starting to think, on a landscape scale, about an FALLODON ESTATE area of the Northumberland 2,400 acres Coast,” says Mark. “What are Includes 1,400 acre in-hand mixed the positive contributions to organic farm biodiversity, soil improvement Holiday lets business or water quality that we can bruntoncottages.co.uk make by working together?” Residential tenancies In Westminster intense Three AHA farm tenancies Two biomass district heating CLA campaigning recently systems heat the hamlets of resulted in the government’s Brunton and Fallodon Hall commitment to a £1bn deal to A Higher Level Stewardship eradicate poor mobile signal agreement across the country. Housing development in the Mark says: “Our membership village of Embleton is made up of a lot of very entrepreneurial people and I think with technology and connectivity it will really open up the rural sector because you don’t have to commute two hours on a train into Waterloo to go to work. “That is a great opportunity – why wouldn’t you work from an oﬃce in an attractive building that’s a fraction of the cost of an urban one, in a beautiful location close to home, if you’ve got good infrastructure? The power of the internet and connectivity means you can do these things anywhere.” There is still a long way to go, but closing the productivity gap between rural and urban workforces could generate an additional £43bn for the UK economy, something that Mark is passionately promoting through the CLA’s Rural Powerhouse campaign (read more on page 12). Mark says: “There are lots of interesting and dynamic rural businesses in England and Wales. If the infrastructure is there and the incentives are there, then we can absolutely unleash the huge potential of the rural economy.”

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We’ll ﬁnd the right healthcare package for you, your family and your employees. In 2017, we saved CLA members an average of 24% on their premium. Contact us today for a free, no obligation healthcare review. Call 01274 717361 and quote your CLA membership number or email healthcare@cla.org.uk

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YOUR CLA

POLICY COMMITTEE

Dream team The CLA’s Policy Committee has welcomed a wealth of talented new members who will help shape the Association’s priorities for years to come

n November the CLA elected a number of new members to the Policy Committee, who bring with them a broad range of professional experience. Doing our part in inﬂuencing the future shape of rural England and Wales has never been more important, and it is here the CLA’s Policy Committee plays a vital role. JOHNNY WAKE, NORTHANTS

Managing partner of Courteenhall Farms, a diverse rural estate business which he has grown substantially since he took over ﬁve years ago. He is a fully qualiﬁed GP who planned to run his two careers in conjunction but eventually chose to dedicate himself fully to business. Through a national recruitment process Johnny was chosen, after interview with Jeremy Hunt, to be the Department of Health’s adviser on general practice in 2014. He is also the Director of Camgrain, and has been interviewed in the Financial Times and on Radio 4’s Today Programme. TOM STREETER, ESSEX

Farming partner responsible for AC & J Streeter & Sons as well as chairman of the charity SongBird Survival and ﬁnance director of Samco and Shrim Farmers. Tom grew up on the family farm in West Essex, was educated at

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the Royal Agricultural College and now runs the family business with his twin brother. The partnership is made up of arable farming, industrial and commercial lets and residential properties. ELIZA ECCLESTONE, KENT

Currently managing trustee and beneﬁciary of the 3,000-acre St Clere Estate which includes farming, forestry management, green energy provision, commercial and residential property management, events, ﬁlming and location, discrete high level meetings and estate succession mediation. Her previous experience as a solicitor and as a mediator has given her a breadth of understanding that will be invaluable on the Policy Committee. She is also a trustee on the board of Chevening Estate. EDWARD PHILLIPS, BEDFORDSHIRE

Since 2007 Edward has been estate director of the Luton Hoo Estate. It includes residential and commercial property lets, an in-hand farm with a contracting operation, a historic walled garden, and a renowned ﬁlm location. Since 2007 turnover has increased by 40% and he has been responsible for the siting of Land Rover Experience driving centre on the estate. He

has also developed the estate’s green credentials with a 250kw solar photovoltaic array. He is also director of his own event production and catering company. JOE EVANS, HEREFORDSHIRE

Newly elected as Policy Committee member for the Midlands, Joe took over the reins of the family-owned Whitbourne estate in 2012, when he and his wife Keeley returned in 2012 after careers in international banking with HSBC Group in Asia. Under his management, the estate has successfully diversiﬁed from traditional farming and forestry, developing a ﬁne dining restaurant, Green Cow Kitchens, using estate produce. This year he opened ‘Crumplebury’, a high-end hospitality and events venue. He is a trustee of Longlands Farm, a charity that helps vulnerable young people excluded from mainstream education.

GET INVOLVED The CLA Policy Committee works through a structure of national committees which together work to influence change for the better. Branch committees take place across England and Wales. To find out more or to register your interest, contact your local CLA office. W cla.org.uk/your-area

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CLA INSURANCE

PATRICIA JONES HEAD OF RURAL AT CLA INSURANCE

Don’t risk it CLA Insurance can save you money and oﬀer protection to you, your people, your property and your reputation So what should you expect from an insurance broker

IMAGE: ALAMY

ural land and business owners face a wide range of risks and it is unlikely that an off-the-shelf insurance policy will provide the cover for many of them, or the best value for money. It can also be diﬃcult managing numerous policies with different renewal dates throughout the year. Working with a specialist insurance broker helps you understand your exposures and arrange comprehensive and competitive cover. The risks of under-insurance are very real and insurance brokers have a duty to make their clients aware of such implications and help them ﬁnd the most appropriate cover for them and their business. Insurance isn’t just about protection. It can also provide the necessary peace of mind.

Specialist knowledge The rural sector is very diverse. No matter who you are or what you do, you can certainly beneﬁt from specialist support from someone who understands your circumstances and environment. Choice Don’t simply renew your existing policy year on year, as it may no longer provide the protection you require. New products and services are coming onto the market all the time. A good broker will be researching these to secure the most appropriate deal, demonstrating how and why they have done so. Negotiating power A strong broker will have earned the trust of insurers and their underwriters, so even if the market or sector is challenging, they will be able to secure terms that others perhaps couldn’t. Independent advice and hands-on claims support If renewal premiums have gone up, a broker can often negotiate to secure the right balance between premiums,

The CLA (Country Land & Business Association Limited) is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Howden UK Group Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in respect of general insurance business. CLA Insurance is a trademark of the CLA. Howden UK Group Limited is permitted to use CLA Insurance as a trading name and provides insurance services to CLA members. Howden UK Group Limited is registered in England and Wales under company registration number 725875. Registered Office: One Creechurch Place, London EC3A 5AF. Calls may be monitored and recorded for quality assurance purposes.

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policy terms and excesses. Claims are the real moment of truth – when clients know whether they have the right cover in place. A good broker should act as your advocate, proactively working with you and your insurers to get claims resolved promptly and fairly. Transparency around charges Fees should be very transparent between the broker and their client and discussed from the outset so the most appropriate arrangement is agreed. While general insurance can be very transactional and completed on a standalone renewal date every year, the best insurance brokers can bring more to the table, especially in highly specialised areas such as the rural sector. In preparation for 2020 why not give us a call to see how we can help with your insurance needs. We could save you money and protect you, your people, your property and your reputation.

GET IN TOUCH Call 01234 819348 to speak to a CLA Insurance adviser. We are confident our quote will at least match your existing policy. With 99% of our clients renewing, it shows our service is as strong as our products.

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CLA H HEALTHCARE

RICHARD GOULD DIRECTOR OF CLA HEALTHCARE

Business protection – peace of mind in times of crisis Key Person cover can protect your business if someone dies or becomes seriously ill

hen a key person in a business dies or becomes seriously ill it can have a devastating ﬁnancial effect. As trusted advisers to CLA members, we are increasingly working with members who run a business to consider ways that can look after not only their employees’ healthcare and wellbeing needs but also safeguard their business if a key employee should die or be diagnosed with a serious illness. This is where Key Person Insurance can offer invaluable ﬁnancial support.

What is Key Person cover? Key Person cover is life insurance, which can also include Critical Illness cover, taken out by a business on the life of someone crucial to the business. It protects your business from the ﬁnancial fallout if a key member of staff dies or is diagnosed with a serious illness (if Critical Illness Cover is also included). The proceeds from the policy are paid directly to the company or partners, helping you to protect your proﬁts or clear business debt to continue trading as normally as possible. Usually business owners choose to cover those with particular skills, essential expertise or responsibilities. If you are the owner, founder or

managing director, you’re likely to be a key person.

Do you need Key Person Insurance? When you’re deciding who to cover, it’s useful to ask yourself “what would happen if…?”. You should consider whether you have any key employees that your business simply could not function without. If you do have employees whose loss would cause severe disruption, or even closure, then Key Person Insurance is likely to be as essential as they are. It’s an especially important consideration for rural businesses that often rely on a small and loyal team.

How does Key Person insurance work? In the event of a key person’s death or serious illness (when critical illness cover is included), your business is the beneficiary, rather than your employee’s relatives. It is designed to provide funding for you to find a successor, or if it is unfeasible for your business to continue operating, provide the necessary funding for an orderly wind down. The amount of cover is based on the key person’s earnings or their contribution to your profits. It is

expressed as a multiple and it’s usual for sums between £1m and £20m to be assured. The insurance premium will also depend on the employee’s age – it will be higher for a person aged 60 than it would be for a person aged 40. Adding Critical Illness cover increases the cost of premiums compared to Life Only cover.

Why buy Key Person Insurance? It can safeguard your business against the loss of essential employees Serious illnesses are often longterm, so this cover means you will not have to ‘wait out’ the duration of an illness before your business receives the funding it needs It provides you with the budget to hire a suitable successor If you can’t hire a successor and you are unable continue operations, you will have the funding required for closure.

GET IN TOUCH Specialist help for CLA members If you would like to find out more about Key Person Insurance and how it could help your business, please speak to a member of the CLA Healthcare team on 01274 717361 or email healthcare@cla.org.uk

CLA Healthcare is a trademark of the Country Land and Business Association Limited (CLA) which is an introducer appointed representative of Howden Employee Benefit & Wellbeing Limited.CLA Healthcare is a trading style of Howden Employee Benefits & Wellbeing Limited, which is licensed to use CLA Healthcare as a trading name. Trading Office: Butterfield Park, Otley Road, Baildon, West Yorkshire BD17 7HE. Howden Employee Benefits & Wellbeing Limited is part of the Hyperion Insurance Group, and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Not all products and services offered are regulated by the FCA.

cla.org.uk

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LAND & BUSINESS | DECEMBER 2019 45

21/11/2019 10:16

E EX ER MEMB R OFFE

V L&B BRIEFING CLUSI

Ford Motors Ford Motors is oﬀering CLA members the new Ranger, or other vehicles within the Ford range, at signiﬁcant discount to the retail price

he new Ford Ranger is purposebuilt to get the job done. With more technologies than ever before, Europe’s number one selling pickup helps you work smarter too. Advanced engineering and the highest quality materials deliver an interior that’s as tough and hardwearing as it is comfortable. For the first time, the New Ford Ranger is available with a built-in FordPass Connect modem too. This technology enables you to remotely lock and unlock your vehicle, receive live traffic updates, connect to a WiFi hotspot, and it makes owning a Ford better than ever. When it comes to the New Ford Ranger, the numbers speak for themselves. The pickup has a carrying capacity of 1 tonne and can tow up to 3,500kg. It has a ground clearance of 237mm and effortlessly wades through water up to 800mm deep. In fact, every aspect of the award-winning vehicle has been precision engineered for versatility, reliability and capability. The New Ford Ranger incorporates a range of smart systems to help protect you, your passengers and other road users. Some technologies, such as Pre-Collision Assist, work to reduce the likelihood of an incident occurring in the first place. The vehicle’s fitted with advanced security systems too, giving you peace of mind when storing your tools or cargo.

| LAND&&BUSINESS 46 DECEMBER OCTOBER 2019 2019| LAND BUSINESS

44 Memeber offer Ford_December 2019_Land & Business 46

11%

off ne w Rang P375 er DIS

CO FOR O UNT RATE THER MOD ELS VARIE S

MEMBER OFFER To obtain your CLA member discount please follow the simple process outlined below: You should visit any of Ford’s Authorised Main Dealers, inform them that you wish to purchase a Ford vehicle using the CLA’s specially agreed discount terms, and quote your CLA membership number. Your nominated dealer will then give you current prices, 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. When placing an order your dealer will complete an approval form which must be authorised by the CLA. For any enquiries regarding the order process, please email Tahirih McLaren-Brown at the CLA tahirih.mclarenbrown@cla.org.uk.

TERMS & CONDITIONS This offer is 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 Members’ Area of our website cla.org.uk

cla.org.uk

21/11/2019 10:01

CLA CHARITABLE TRUST

YOUR CLA

very few months, we like to bring to light the amazing work that rural charities around England and Wales have accomplished, having beneﬁted from the support of the CLA Charitable Trust. Since the Trust was ﬁrst founded in 1980 it has awarded £1.9m in grants and has provided six students with scholarships to Harper Adams University. CLA members donate £60,000 a year through the Charitable Trust donation on their membership subscription which goes directly to grants. In the past three years £189,917 has been granted to 72 charities.

Disabled access and community learning In summer this year, Lune Valley Community Beekeepers (LVCB) became one of the latest charities to receive CLA Charitable Trust funding. Based in Lancaster, the charity represents a group of educational beekeepers that, for the past few years, have been passionately promoting minimal intervention to improve the environment in which bees and other pollinators live with the purpose of educating people on the craft of keeping honey bees. Thanks to CLA Charitable Trust donations, LVBC were able to use the grant to create a new apiary and wildlife meadow accessible to people with disabilities and those in wheelchairs. Since then, people all across the countryside have been able to travel to enjoy Lune Valley’s growing habitats for bees, learning and bettering their understanding of the ecological role that bees play in nature. LVCB chair of trustees Dr Fred

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47 Charitable trust_December 2019_Land & Business 47

Making the world a better place The CLA Charitable Trust is making a real diﬀerence to society, writes Joshua Gill Ayres said: “Early in 2017 we embarked on a very ambitious project, expected to take several years, to create a training apiary and wildﬂower meadow that would be readily accessible in all weathers to disabled people and those in wheelchairs. “The CLA Charitable Trust supported us at a very early stage, enabling us carry out all the essential groundworks, build a solid

foundation for the training apiary and demonstrate the feasibility of the project. Without the support from CLA Charitable Trust, our project would not have started.” W lunevalleybeekeepers.co.uk

GET INVOLVED If you would like to aid in helping the CLA Charitable Trust you can do the following: Donation – Your contribution will help the Trust to continue making a difference to people’s lives Legacy – You can remember the Trust in your will by way of legacy Event – Holding an event in aid of the Trust can be an excellent way to raise funds and increase awareness of the Trust’s work To make a donation or for more information about getting involved call 020 7460 7928 or email charitabletrust@cla.org.uk

A thirst for knowledge Beyond charity grants, the CLA Charitable Trust has been providing scholarships to students looking to study at Harper Adams for the last six years and this year Harry Storey graduated with ﬁrst class honours. Harry is now currently working for Lacy Scott & Knight in Bury St Edmunds as a trainee surveyor working towards his Assessment of Professional Competence (APC). Harry said: “Thank you so much to the CLA Charitable Trust for all your support throughout the scholarship. I will be sure to keep you up to date on my progress.”

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21/11/2019 10:02

CLA HONOUR

live Clarke, a well-known figure d across Westmorland and Cumbria, was recently honoured for her long and diligent service. In a ceremony held at the CLA ll Cumbria Branch AGM at Levens Hall near Kendal, Olive was presented LA with a certificate and flowers by CLA Director General Sarah Hendry. Serving in various roles at the CLA, initially as a committee member for Westmorland and Furness in the 1980s, Olive was later elected as chairman, and subsequently branch president. A She also served as a member of CLA Council from 1984 to 1988. Born in 1922, Olive, of Kaker Mill Farm in Preston Patrick near Milnthorpe, has had a life-long commitment to rural issues across Cumbria, being actively involved in various public and organisational roles. She came to prominence in Westmorland in her role as first local chairman and then county chairman of the Women’s Institute. Having been involved with the Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs for more than 80 years, she became it its first woman chairman, and was the first person to be made Honorary Life Vice-President in 2013. In 1994, she was awarded with an OBE for her role in saving the Carlisle/Settle railway, through her membership and later chairmanship Olive Clarke with outgoing CLA Cumbria Branch President Mark Southern and CLA North Director Dorothy Fairburn

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Olive Clarke with CLA Director General Sarah Hendry at Levens Hall in Cumbria

A true ambassador for the countryside CLA member Olive Clarke OBE has been honoured for her ‘distinguished’ service to the countryside over almost 50 years, writes Henk Geertsema of the North West England Transport Consultative Committee, and also by chairing the Carlisle/Settle Inquiry. She was also a magistrate, and a county as well as parish councillor. In a letter following the recent ceremony, Olive wrote to CLA North Director Dorothy Fairburn expressing her “shock and surprise” at being recognised in this way. She also noted that at this time of uncertainty for landowners and farmers, there has never been a more important reason for being a member of the CLA, adding that lobbying effectively is the only way to get things done. Paying tribute to Olive’s role in championing rural causes, CLA Director General Sarah Hendry said:

“It was an honour to recognise Olive for her long and distinguished track record in Cumbria and beyond, especially for breaking new ground for women in the rural sector. “Olive’s commitment to the CLA has been outstanding over the years, and the fact that she is only now resigning as CLA Cumbria Branch Committee member at the age of 97 is testament to her utter dedication.” CLA North Director Dorothy Fairburn paid tribute to Olive’s “passionate and determined attitude” and called her “a true ambassador for the countryside”. She added: “She has made a real and lasting impact on the lives of individuals and rural communities across Cumbria.”

cla.org.uk

21/11/2019 10:16

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19/11/2019 13:06

INDUSTRY SNAPSHOT

A power of good Our selection of products and services may inspire you in ﬁnding solutions for your energy needs

Anesco Looking to cut costs, reduce your energy bills or generate an additional income? Solar and battery storage could be the answer. Install on the rooftops of agricultural buildings and domestic dwellings or on the ground to create a solar farm. Anesco is a leading authority on solar and battery storage and provides a full turnkey solution, from consultancy, feasibility, planning, design, installation, grid connection and maintenance.

anesco.co.uk

Fluecube

ENERGY

Wood burning stove problems? The issue is the chimney. The FlueCube is a cowl that solves these problems, trouble lighting your stove, stove not reaching its optimum temperature, smoke blowing back. The problems outside caused by wind, short chimney, surrounding trees, buildings or terrain. FlueCube solves these issues, while contributing to reducing your fuel bill and helping the environment by burning eﬃciently and reducing particulates. Designed for pots and twin wall ﬂues.

fluecube.co.uk 01580715870

Terravesta Terravesta is the world leading miscanthus specialist. miscanthus is a C4 grass which thrives on marginal, unproductive British farm land and it’s one of the fastest growing biomass crops. Miscanthus is a key player in the climate change revolution. It’s very efficient, cheap to grow and profitable for farmers. Besides carbon mitigation, scientific studies demonstrate a positive impact of miscanthus in restoring soil health and fertility through increasing soil carbon and organic matter naturally, restoring soil life, particularly invertebrates, including earthworms, insects, soil-based organisms and microorganisms. Used rotationally in agricultural systems, miscanthus reverses the severe soil degradation of intensive food production systems which will enable more sustainable, less depleting and lower cost agricultural regimes in future. Terravesta develops novel miscanthus supply chains to replace fossil derived feedstocks for heat, energy, fuels, compostable plastics, pharmaceuticals, agriproducts and other bio-economic uses.

terravesta.com

50 DECEMBER 2019 | LAND & BUSINESS

50-51 Industry Snapshot_December 2019_Land & Business 50

Wessex Biofuels Ltd The biofuels industry suffered a major setback when the government withdrew support for smaller scale biomass boilers which, up until recently, were supported under the Renewable Heat Incentive. Wessex Biofuels was set up 10 years ago to supply locally grown fuel to the local market with a view to reducing road miles and making the fuel as 'green' as possible. That market has now stagnated and the only real growth is in the industrial use of biofuels, which inevitably means hauling long distances to the markets. The industrial demand has, however, given the industry a good price base and demand for all forms of biofuel is likely to continue to grow.

wessexbiofuels.com 01488 685007

cla.org.uk

21/11/2019 10:02

Central Boiler Central Boilers' outdoor woodburning boilers, for domestic and commercial installations, make heating with wood as simple as it gets. Easy installation onto a hard-standing, working on its own or with existing boiler via a pump, heat-exchanger and underground heat-main if required – can be sited 60m plus from buildings. Ultra-efficient with integral buffer, only requires a singlephase, 13amp electricity supply. Uses thermostaticallycontrolled modulating wood heating and automatic ember reignition for superefficiency. Has a large capacity firebox for ease of loading meaning less wood cutting. The MCS-Approved Classic Edge 300 30kW Titanium (stainless steel) starts at £8,750 plus VAT.

central-boiler.co.uk 01206 252275

Solar Gate Systems Hundreds of farmers and landowners are now benefitting from solar powered gate automation, giving increased security with ease of operation, where main electricity is not an option. Solar Gate Systems have developed a reliable solar powered gate opening, closing and locking system, using the latest technology combined with our unique Winter Harvesting® solar panels. Ensure your entrance gate is always closed and locked No costly mains cables to lay Designed specifically for high use in the UK 24 volt system for efficiency and reliability Metal gates up to 7 metres

solargatesystems.co.uk mail@solargatesystems.co.uk 01993 840066

Grenadier The award-winning Grenadier Electric Firelighter is guaranteed to light any solid fuel fire, including wood, coal, charcoal and smokeless fuel within minutes. Its secret lies in its powerful concentrated heat, which is directed onto the fuel by the built-in fan. The fuel quickly reaches burning point, getting fires going quickly, efficiently and easily. It features an all-metal construction and BEAB approval for safety.

01829 741649 grenadier.co.uk

Energy and Rural Business Show The Energy and Rural Business Show will open its doors at The East of England Arena on 3 & 4 March 2020. Farmers and landowners will be able to explore the most cutting-edge farm diversification, renewable energy and low emission vehicle initiatives and hear from the experts in the multi-streamed conference and ‘How-To’ farm diversification workshops. The event is run in association with the CLA and features three shows in one: Low-Emission Vehicles Expo, Energy Now Expo and Rural Business Expo. Energy Now Expo New for 2020 ‘The Big Debate’ on ‘Achieving Net Zero – the role of the agricultural and rural communities’ Dedicated energy storage theatre One-to-one advice clinic Conferences devoted to each type of renewable energy The Low-Emission Vehicles Expo On-stand demos and presentations The latest vehicles and machinery for rural businesses The Rural Business Expo Farm diversification exhibition ‘How-To’ practical diversification workshops from industry experts and case studies The event is free to attend, book your place:

energyandruralbusiness.co.uk

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21/11/2019 11:18

IN YOUR AREA

Cymru/ Wales news

The Welsh rural voice must be heard

LA Cymru is taking the Rural Powerhouse message to Welsh parliamentary candidates in the course of the general election campaign. The Rural Powerhouse focuses on what matters most for the rural economy: our ability to communicate and trade, how farming ﬁts into the wider community’s agenda, our capacity to develop land for business purposes and how we invest in new ideas and people. CLA Cymru Director Rebecca

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Williams said: “We’re urging members and their contacts to focus on these important themes when they cast their vote on 12 December. Welsh MPs have a vital role in Westminster politics, notably in establishing a Brexit which serves the Welsh economy. Among the 40 Welsh MPs at Westminster, a large number of them represent rural constituencies. Arguably these ought to be our natural supporters but we need to take our message outside our comfort zone, to the urban candidates.” The CLA Rural Powerhouse message is essential to us. In Wales we have three local authority areas which have the worst mobile connectivity across the UK. Providing up-to-date quality connections for businesses in these areas must be a priority for the new Westminster government. Proﬁtable and sustainable farming is the life-blood for many of our communities. We’ve contributed in

detail to the latest Welsh Government Sustainable Farming and our Land consultation process. It is a devolved matter, but the framework in which Wales’ structure sits, will be determined by the UK Agriculture Bill – and vital areas, such as trade, lie entirely in the hands of the Westminster Government. Welsh agriculture must have a strong voice in Parliament through our MPs. Rebecca said: “There are some notable Welsh seats which will see a new face as MP – including some rural seats such as Ynys Môn and Montgomeryshire where new working relationships are to be built. “But there are other political developments which will inﬂuence the election outcome. The Brexit Party will not stand in seats which were won by the Conservative Party in 2017, and the Remainer alliance arrangement affecting a quarter of Welsh constituencies – both have fundamentally changed the nature of some constituency contests. It’s unclear, however, if – or how – this arrangement could affect results in other constituencies.” The general election provides us with a massive opportunity to promote our messages – and, arguably, the campaign period is the time when politicians are eager to be seen to be supporting important causes. But the election result marks the beginning of our long-term political programme. “We’ll enter that next year with commitment and relish,” said Rebecca.

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21/11/2019 10:04

CLA WALES DIRECTOR REBECCA WILLIAMS rebecca.williams@cla.org.uk 01547 317085 @CLAWales

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

CLA Cymru events take oﬀ at Airbus “We could have filled this event several times over,” said CLA Cymru Events Coordinator Derek Keeble. The visit to the giant Airbus production facility

at Broughton, Deeside was limited in numbers to 20, but it meant that we were always close to the tour-guide and could get reasonably close to the action.

“It’s an example of an event in the diary which enables us to step outside our rural world and learn from challenges being met in other sectors,” said Derek. “And we’re planning some more of these to provide interesting options in the course of next year. Such events enable us to forge valuable links outside our normal working environment. “We learned that the investment into the local community is huge – both directly through highly-skilled employment (between 6,0007,000 people) – and in their corporate social responsibility work in the local community. “It’s eye opening to learn how

the largest production facilities tackle many of the issues we face: market forces, public opinion and supply chains. They have the additional challenges of managing highly complex process lines involving a myriad of components. “There is much for us to learn as a rural economy. How they approach these at such large scale and intensity is astonishing.” You can find out more about our events via the website – go to cla.org.uk and click on “events”. We welcome members’ new ideas for captivating events which we could develop in 2020 and beyond.

Keep an eye out on Land & Business early in 2020 which will feature an interview with Kevin Stephens (pictured), who has been growing daffodils at above 1,200 ft on a Welsh hillside for 10 years. His business Agroceutical is well-established and is now producing between 15-20 kilos of Galanthamine – a compound used for treating Alzheimer’s disease.

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21/11/2019 10:05

IN YOUR AREA

South East news NEWS IN BRIEF

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

WITH THE FESTIVE holidays just around the corner, thousands of people will be out enjoying the beautiful countryside this Christmas and New Year. So CLA South East is doing media work this month urging the public to stick to footpaths and bridleways, and respect other users of the rights of way.

Speakers at the Forestry Conference

More than timber

he CLA’s recent Forestry Conference highlighted and celebrated how the sector is about so much more than timber. Attended by more than 170 people, it was organised by the CLA in partnership with the Forestry Commission and Grown in Britain, and supported by Pryor & Rickett Silviculture, AECOM and Forest Holidays. The event featured a keynote address from Sir Harry Studholme, chair of

CLA SOUTH EAST and Grown in Britain have teamed up to encourage the public to buy locallygrown Christmas trees this festive season, in a bid to support rural businesses and boost the environment by cutting tree miles.

the Forestry Commission, about the opportunities and challenges facing the industry in a post-Brexit world. The conference brought together a range of voices from different backgrounds to explore how forestry offers a variety of beneﬁts and services, in the South East and further aﬁeld. We have compiled a four-page summary report covering the main points raised during the day. Visit the CLA website to download or print it.

WITH DARK NIGHTS upon us, rural areas can provide rich pickings for criminals – please make extra efforts to protect homes and property. WISHING ALL MEMBERS a merry Christmas and a happy New Year from the CLA South East team.

CLA meets with chief constables The CLA has been meeting with the chief constables of all the police forces in the South East this autumn, to make sure tackling rural crime remains high on their agendas. The series of meetings began in Sussex in September and concluded in Kent and Hampshire in November, run in conjunction with the NFU. In Surrey, Chief Constable Gavin Stephens said he took rural policing seriously, with the force aiming to have an

extra 11 PCSOs covering each borough and district. The advantages of using rural locations for the training of officers, such as drone pilots and dog handlers, were highlighted, and the CLA is encouraging members to consider offering sites. In Thames Valley, Chief Constable John Campbell met representatives on a south Oxfordshire farm to discuss his hopes for extra police officers and how technology such as the what3words app

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is making a difference in the battle against rural crime. CLA South East Regional Director Michael Valenzia said: “I am encouraged by the attitude of the police and the spirit of co-operation

between officers and the rural community, though more can always be done. “I would urge people to always report incidents to help build up the most complete picture possible of rural crime.”

cla.org.uk

21/11/2019 10:17

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

CLA SOUTH EAST DIRECTOR MICHAEL VALENZIA 01264 313434 michael.valenzia@cla.org.uk @CLASouthEast

Working together key to tourism success The importance of collaboration was repeatedly emphasised by a range of speakers at the CLA’s recent Rural Tourism Forum. The event, supported

by cottages.com and Rural Solutions, explored the many benefits of diversifying existing farming businesses to build a more sustainable and resilient future.

Delegates heard reallife accounts from South East businesses who gave their experiences in the sector, while speakers from central government and regional tourism

bodies shared a broader view of the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. Visit the CLA website to access a summary report and slides from the day.

Isle of Wight debate Join us for a free debate in early 2020. It will be held on the Isle of Wight on 29 January, from 6pm to 8.30pm at The Garlic Farm. The evening, supported by BCM, has a theme of ‘Food versus the environment: Can we farm profitably in harmony with nature?’ It is free to attend but places must be booked in advance on our website.

Meanwhile our final debate of 2019 was held in Hampshire last month, exploring what farming may look like in 2050. While panelists agreed that the next three decades will see significant change, different opinions were expressed in areas such as veganism and lifestyle changes, the role of technology in food production, and land use.

Wessex Biofuels Ltd are based in Hungerford Berkshire, with 2 woodfuel supply hubs located at Wantage in Berkshire and Salisbury in Wiltshire. We supply both force dried and air dried premium grade G50 or G30 woodchip using sustainable locally sourced virgin roundwood. We can also supply wood chip for your garden, play area or horse arena. Chipping is carried out using a Kesla C645T and Valmet tractor.

Busy autumn of CLA technicals and socials From a sculpture garden to a Growing Underground tour, CLA South East members have enjoyed a varied schedule of events this autumn. We have organised trips to the Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden in Surrey, been on a bird watching tour of Chichester Harbour, toured the Aston Martin factory in Buckinghamshire and visited Farnborough Airport in Hampshire. Other events have included two AGMs, one county show, a renewables seminar supported by ReEnergise and a visit to the Environment Agency’s Medmerry ﬂood alleviation scheme. Thank you to all of our event partners and speakers for their support. Visit the CLA website for more details of our upcoming events.

Delivery can be by via 110m3 walking floor, 90m3 bulker or 26m3 bulker or for clients near to hubs or where access is restricted delivery can be made by tractor and trailer including the option of a chip blower where tipping is not possible. Wessex Biofuels can also provide a contract chipping service where clients have their own timber supply but not the resources to carry out their own chipping. Wessex Biofuels Ltd, Foxley Wood, Hungerford Park, Berkshire RG17 0UT Tel 01488 685007 Email info@wessexbiofuels.com www.wessexbiofuels.com

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21/11/2019 10:18

IN YOUR AREA

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

Welcome to Rural Surveyor Claire Wright C laire Wright has been appointed Rural Surveyor in the South West oﬃce, replacing the vacant position left by Ann Maidment following her promotion to Regional Director. Claire joins us from the East region where she has advised members on a variety of topics since she joined the CLA in November 2013. Claire read Geography at the University of Birmingham before taking a postgraduate course in Rural Estate Management at the Royal Agricultural College. She

qualiﬁed as a rural practice chartered surveyor in 2010 and has spent time in professional practice advising a range of clients on a variety of areas including planning, commercial property and valuation before joining the CLA. Claire has been the East region’s lead adviser on rural crime, planning and land management. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and we look forward to her joining the South West team oﬃcially in the New Year. Claire will be joining our other two rural surveyors, Graham Clark

Accepting the need for change Will Bond, chairman of the Dorset branch committee, cycled the 52-mile round trip to the committee meeting on a cold and wet November day. He said: “It is clear from the melting ice sheets, diminishing glaciers, global wildfires, storm events and biodiversity crises that climate change is no longer something we sort of feel we ought to think about. It is here, it is now, and it is showing signs of following some of the worst case projections: the impacts are going to get worse and personal. “As chair of the Dorset

branch, and working at the front edge of climate change, I have a duty to make a point. As land managers, we are in a privileged position, with the ability to make changes to land management such as planting trees, rewetting peat and giving our soils the respect they deserve, all of which will sequester carbon. “Almost all of us in the land management sector can reduce our carbon footprints too: even simple moves like making better and more intelligent use of our machinery and equipment

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and Will Langer, and as she is already familiar with the Association she will be hitting the ground running. Claire has already represented the CLA South West team at police meetings and joined the Wiltshire Branch committee meeting in November.

would materially reduce our industry’s impact. “Riding my bike to chair the meeting today won’t save the planet, and it will save a pitiful amount of carbon. But, it is my acknowledgment that we need to think much harder about how and why we use energy. It shows that sometimes there is an inconvenient alternative, if we can be bothered. I’m using an electric bike: let’s use the technological fixes rather than going back to the dark ages! And yes, I’ll be driving a car again soon. We can’t

expect to change our entire culture at the flick of a switch. “On my way here today I rode past remembrance poppies fixed to the side of the road to commemorate those who sacrificed their lives for us in the wars. Siren voices tell us that whatever we do about climate change individually, or as a relatively small country, is insignificant, so not worth the sacrifice. You could have said that to every individual named on each of those poppies, but collectively they won their war. We owe it to past and future generations to make sure we win this one, even if it is at times an inconvenient and uncomfortable journey.” Well done Will – your effort was appreciated by the committee, especially as the trip back home was dark and wet!

cla.org.uk

21/11/2019 10:07

aren’t m If youemails fro at ing il us receiv ase ema .org.uk a le l p c us, west@ ate our d south e will up an also w c d u r n o a witte ds. Y recor w us on T West follo ASouth @CL

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

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

Wiltshire Rural Crime Partnership On 7 November, CLA South West Communications Manager Kim John and Rural Surveyor Claire Wright attended the tenth Wiltshire Rural Crime Partnership meeting at Police HQ in Devizes. The partnership, made up of representatives from various rural and farming organisations, Wiltshire Council, Neighbourhood Watch teams and rural businesses from the county, meets regularly to hear from

the Wiltshire Rural Crime Team (RCT) on its activities combating rural crime within the county. The RCT said that the main areas of activity at this time of year included hare coursing, poaching and metal thefts including the theft of lead from church roofs. We heard that the police are working with Wiltshire Council in checking up on scrap yards for illegally obtained scrap metal. The group were informed that there would be a series

of training events for rural champions within the community police teams who would receive information and guidance on the nature of rural crime, enabling them to act accordingly with this very different crime issue. There are now 17 oﬃcers trained in tack marking and visits can be arranged via the team to come and stamp saddles or bridles – which is usually your postcode – and can help identify it if ever stolen.

One of the major issues the team was facing was the lack of reported crime. Members are reminded that all incidents no matter how small or large should be reported. If you see a crime in action, dial 999 and if you see someone acting suspiciously call 101. Unless crime is reported, police resources cannot be appropriately allocated so it is always important to report any suspicious activity not only for resources but also for evidence and intelligence gathering.

MP Joins Dorset branch committee meeting Simon Hoare, MP for North Dorset, visited the CLA Dorset committee just hours before the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, called for a general election. Mr Hoare spoke about the importance of the British agricultural sector and the need for a cooperative position from all rural organisations to ensure that their messages are heard in government. Mr Hoare spoke about rural policing and the recent announcement of 50 additional officers for the Dorset Constabulary as part of Mr Johnson’s pledge for 20,000 new officers. He said it is essential that these officers are not all sucked into the major conurbations. Mr Hoare also touched on Brexit and how, in his opinion, it was imperative that the UK leaves with an agreement as the domestic food market would be dramatically affected. Members of the committee highlighted to Mr Hoare the increase of veganism and that the rural voice shouldpromote local food rather than cheaper products with significant carbon footprints which are often imported.

LAND & BUSINESS | DECEMBER 2019 57

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IN YOUR AREA

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

Mark Riches says shopping locally can help take the stress out of Christmas

Shop local this Brexmas

s you’ll read elsewhere in this magazine, rural areas already make a huge contribution to the economic wellbeing of the nation as a whole and, allowed the opportunity, can increase that considerably. Every year we encourage people to buy as much of their Christmas food and gifts from local businesses as possible. Why not take that a step further this year and seek out fellow CLA members, who can provide all the food on your plate, the drink in your glass, your tree, decorations and gifts? Members will cheerfully ignore the scaremongering and supply the pigs, blankets (and instructions should you need them). Added to the endless boom in internet shopping and economic

pressures on the high street, we have continued uncertainty and many feel they can do without the added stress of Christmas shopping. It makes more sense than ever to avoid the traﬃc, queues, parking and packed pavements to visit your local farm shop, village store, farmers’ market or our market towns where traditional, independent shops are still plentiful. While we cannot ignore the lure of the internet, we should remind ourselves that Christmas should be about family, friends and neighbours. However if it does become too stressful – and it does for many - please don’t suffer alone. There are many people working for rural charities, who will listen, understand and help.

Rural Crime Update Building on the CLA’s Rural Crime Action Plan, we continue to engage with forces in the region to increase efforts to target rural crime, politicians to lobby for more resources, and the public (including members) to better safeguard themselves. In September, with Herefordshire Chairman Joe

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Evans and Shropshire Chairman Alex Carson-Taylor, we met Superintendent Sue Thomas and Assistant Chief Constable Martin Evans of West Mercia police. Each area within West Mercia has a Rural and Business Crime Officer (RBCO), and each is recruiting two police officers with rural crime responsibility.

The Farming Community Network on 03000 111 999 is open 7am-11pm every day and the Samaritans on 116 123 will be open 24 hours throughout the holidays. On behalf of the regional team, I wish you a peaceful Christmas and a bright, positive New Year.

We met Superintendent Gareth Meadows and Inspector Daron Abbott of Derbyshire Police, who have a dedicated rural crime team based at Matlock comprising seven specially trained constables. We were at West Mercia Police HQ in October as part of a multi-agency, multi-organisation approach during Rural Crime Week, looking at machinery, plant, fuel and vehicle theft, heritage, equine, wildlife and livestock crime, flytipping and more. We subsequently met Mark Blackstock, one of the RBCOs who can offer advice on how to protect your property. In October, we visited Warwickshire Police to see the new Mitsubishi 4x4 rural crime vehicle and

discuss joint ways forward. While it’s obvious police resources are stretched, it’s encouraging that all forces are keen to support rural communities and recognise the issues faced by landowners and rural businesses. All have accepted invitations to attend CLA meetings and events to hear any concerns face to face. The key messages to come out of all our meetings are the same: if you see crime or suspicious activity, report it. And don’t make it easy for criminals – continually review your own security arrangements. If you would like to contact your local rural crime officer, or would like information on the CLA Rural Crime Action Plan, contact Helen Dale at the Regional Office.

cla.org.uk

21/11/2019 10:19

CLA MIDLANDS Knightley, Woodseaves, Staffordshire ST20 0JW

Ask the adviser CLA MIDLANDS RURAL SURVEYOR JOHN GREENSHIELDS LOOKS AT A TOPICAL ISSUE

I’m having a boxing day shoot this year with extended family and friends. As we’re expecting more guests than usual, is there anything I should be aware of? Yes, the first thing that you should be looking at is security, from the moment your gun leaves the cabinet to its return. Try to keep the gun with you, in the slip and hidden as frequently as possible, especially when travelling. But never leave the shotgun and cartridges together unattended or leave the keys lying about, and don’t advertise your gun or the cabinet. If a shotgun is to be borrowed, the certified owner should always be with the borrower. It is also advisable to discuss etiquette and what constitutes a safe shot. When cleaning the gun please do so immediately and return it to the cabinet in private. And finally, don’t get distracted by the allure of sloe gin. You only need to make a mistake once and there is no worse time than Christmas. This is not a comprehensive checklist, but a timely reminder. For further advice, contact John at the regional office on 01785 337010.

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

Tax planning and asset preservation Thanks to partners Baldwins, Irwin Mitchell and Quilter Cheviot as well as the hospitality of Nick Fothergill – who implemented a ‘heritage management plan’ on the Stanford estate, and welcomed members into his home for a thoughtprovoking seminar covering tax planning and inheritance tax. If you are interested in this important topic but could not attend this event, please contact the regional office where we can put you in touch with the relevant CLA expert.

THE ELECTRIC RANGE

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LAND & BUSINESS | DECEMBER 2019 59

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21/11/2019 10:19

IN YOUR AREA

North news

Cleveland, Cumbria, Durham, Lancashire, Northumberland, Yorkshire

Cumbria AGM

Tackling rural crime with technology in Lancashire CLA North Adviser Libby Bateman recently attended a demonstration hosted by Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Clive Grunshaw to hear how new technology is helping the county’s dedicated rural officers stop criminals in their tracks. The Commissioner gained an insight into how new drones, paid for by utilising proceeds of crime, and new specialist infrared scopes, which he helped to fund, are helping Lancashire Constabulary tackle criminals in

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rural areas. These assist with operations to tackle poaching, theft of machinery and vehicles such as quad bikes, and identifying the location of rural criminals. Libby Bateman said: “It is good to see that Lancashire Police have been proactive on this matter and with support from PCC Clive Grunshaw, have been able to purchase three thermal imaging cameras and set up a drone team which will enable them to get a step ahead of the criminals, collect stronger evidence and secure more convictions.” Earlier this year CLA conducted research to discover the type of equipment rural offices had available to them to tackle criminal activity. The report concluded that more funding was needed to ensure rural officers had the latest technology such as thermal imaging cameras and drones to detect criminal activity in the open countryside.

Richard Bagot, owner of Levens Hall, gave an overview of the estate after the formal AGM. Following lunch, guests were led on tours around the main hall’s rooms and a tour of the majestic gardens. The CLA Cumbria Branch’s new president is its outgoing chairman, John Turner from Lonsdale Settled Estates (Penrith), while Susie Villiers Smith from Dallam Tower has been appointed new chairman. Ed Hewetson from Appleby in Westmorland was elected as vice chairman.

Tax clinic and member surgery A specialist clinic, with a sole focus on tax and attended by CLA Tax Adviser Camilla James, will be hosted at the CLA North oﬃce on 6 December at Aske Stables, near Richmond, DL10 5HG. Members will have the opportunity to discuss their specialist or complex tax issues in person with a CLA expert. Due to the expected popularity of these oneto-one sessions, making an appointment is essential via the CLA North oﬃce by telephoning Sarah Lister on 01748 907070. Hourly slots available from 9am to 12 noon, and from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. In addition, CLA North advisers will be holding one more member surgery, taking place on 13 December from 10.30am to 3pm at Helperby Village Hall, Main Street, Helperby, YO61 2N The clinics provide an ideal opportunity for members to speak to an adviser face to face about any landowning issues.

IMAGE: ISTOCK

umbria Branch AGM, supported by Armstrong Watson, was held at Levens Hall near Kendal and attended by over to 50 members. CLA Director General Sarah Hendry gave members an overview of the latest developments and also honoured CLA member Olive Clarke OBE, a wellknown ﬁgure across Westmorland and Cumbria, for her services to the CLA and rural communities in the area. Read more on Olive’s remarkable career on page 48.

cla.org.uk

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CLA NORTH Aske Stables, Aske, Richmond, North Yorkshire DH10 5HG

REGIONAL DIRECTOR DOROTHY FAIRBURN MBE 01748 907070 north@cla.org.uk @CLANorth

Member email addresses

SAVE THE DATE

The CLA North oﬃce is currently seeking member email addresses as it will help us keep you posted on regional news via our enewsletter which is circulated every two weeks. Alternatively, members can register and amend their

details and preferences at cla.org.uk using MyCLA. Having your up to date email address will become even more important as we need member feedback on a variety of issues. Please send an email, with your details to north@cla.org.uk

Worthy tree quiz winner

Season’s greetings

CLA member Stephen Brough and his wife Annette, livestock farmers from Dalston in Cumbria, recently collected their prize, after winning a CLA tree quiz at the Westmorland Show earlier this year. CLA business member Trees Please, based just outside Corbridge, sponsored the prize of £50’ worth of tree vouchers, which was handed over to the couple by Trees Please commercial operations director Andy Howard. Andy also gave Stephen and Annette a guided tour which covered some of the 12-15 million saplings on the outskirts of Corbridge, also taking in the business’ grading and storage facilities at Dilston. Just over 40 entries were received, and Stephen expressed his surprise at being announced a winner.

The CLA North team would like to wish all our members a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to working with you in 2020.

Farm Update North Events

CLA members are given early notice of our Farm Update North events, which are currently being organised, in part by the CLA North office, for the New Year.

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These events will include speakers from various organisations, including Natural England and the Forestry Commission, as well as updates from Defra, the Environment Agency, Farm Advice Service and Northumbrian Water. Events have been planned to take place at various locations in the North East and County Durham: 29 JANUARY Woodham Golf and Country Club, Newton Aycliffe 5 FEBRUARY Alnwick Rugby Club 10 FEBRUARY Hexham Mart More details will be published in the January 2020 issue of Land & Business magazine.

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p66-67 North New_December 2019_Land & Business 61

21/11/2019 10:21

IN YOUR AREA

East news

Campaign highlights cost of Cambridgeshire fly-tipping

ambridgeshire’s residents are being urged to dispose of their waste safely as part of the county’s ‘SCRAP ﬂy-tipping’ campaign. The campaign, run by RECAP and partner organisations, is aimed at residents and businesses whose waste is sometimes ﬂy-tipped by unlicensed and unscrupulous operators. They often use the countryside as their dumping ground. This illegal dumping of waste has a multitude of implications for landowners, managing agents and

councils. Two thirds of farmers have been affected by fly-tipping incidents. The direct financial implications of removal for landowners are not the only costs incurred. There are also potential risks of contamination to soil and watercourses and threats to livestock and wildlife. This is why a joint approach has been adopted to fight the fly-tipping blight, involving organisations including the CLA, NFU, Environment Agency, Cambridgeshire Countryside Watch, the police and RECAP, which includes the district and county councils. CLA East Regional Surveyor Claire Wright said: “Fly-tipping is a major concern for our members, many of whom find themselves having to clear waste from private land on a regular business. Not only do they have to pick up the bill for doing so, they also face concerns about potential damage and contamination of their crops, which can have a significant impact on their businesses.”

Low carbon greenhouses to be built in East Anglia Greencoat Capital, the UK’s largest investor in renewable energy, has announced a £120m project to construct two of the UK’s largest greenhouses on farmland sites near Norwich and Bury St Edmunds. The greenhouses will be warmed by residual heat from nearby water recycling centres owned by Anglian Water. Electricity for the greenhouses’ heat pumps will be provided by a combined

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heat and power (CHP) plant, with waste heat from the CHP providing further warmth for the greenhouses. The gas-fired CHP plant’s carbon emissions will be transferred into the greenhouses, raising the carbon dioxide levels and further accelerating the growth of the plants, and capturing the majority of the carbon. The construction phase of the project will begin immediately, with completion expected in autumn 2020.

UPCOMING EVENTS

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

Farm Business Update Events The popular series of free-to-attend Farm Business Update events are to be held across East Anglia in January and February 2020. There will be presentations from Championing the Farmed Environment, the Catchment Sensitive Farming Partnership, the Environment Agency, the NFU and representatives from local water companies. Speakers will also include Nuffield scholars who will present on a range of topics including technology adoption, herbicide resistant weeds, success with no-till and how farmers can keep nutrients out of water. Registration for all events will begin at 9.30am and lunch will be served on conclusion of the presentations at 12.45pm. The dates for the Farm Business Update events are as follows:

22 JANUARY

Writtle Agricultural College, Essex

24 JANUARY

Dereham Football Club, Norfolk

29 JANUARY

The Farmschool, Thrales End, Hertfordshire

31 JANUARY

The Forest Centre, Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire

4 FEBRUARY

Wortwell Community Centre, Norfolk

6 FEBRUARY

Bluntisham Village Hall, Cambridgeshire

12 FEBRUARY

Lavenham Village Hall, Suffolk To book your place call CLA East on 01638 590429 or email east@cla.org.uk cla.org.uk

21/11/2019 10:22

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

IMAGE: ALAMY

Norfolk urged to banish balloons and leave the lantern at home Norfolk County Council has launched a new balloon and lantern charter as it urges Norfolk residents to go green when it comes to celebrating. Individuals and organisations are being encouraged to ditch harmful releases of helium balloons and sky lanterns and try alternative ways to mark important occasions. Cllr Andy Grant, Norfolk County Council Cabinet Member for Environment & Waste, said: “We would love people to banish the helium balloon and leave

the sky lantern at home as these outdated ways of celebrating are harmful, particularly to animals. “Please encourage your organisation or business to sign the charter to pledge not only that there’ll be no sky lantern or helium balloon releases on their land, but also to promote new and sustainable ways to celebrate.” CLA East has long campaigned for a ban on balloon releases and sky lanterns due to the risk of harm to animals and potential ﬁre risks.

Tractor sale breaks record The UK auction record for a vintage or classic tractor was smashed at a Cheffins Vintage Sale when the iconic 1903 Ivel Agricultural Motor sold for £328,600. Billed beforehand as

the most important tractor ever to come to auction, the Ivel’s appearance drew a huge crowd to Cheffins’ Saleground in Sutton, Cambridgeshire, with tractor enthusiasts travelling from all over the UK, Ireland and Europe to see the sale. Cheffins chairman and auctioneer Bill King took a first bid of £100,000 from the assembled crowd and there was spirited bidding before the gavel came down in favour of a telephone bidder. The Ivel will be remaining in the UK but the buyer wishes to remain anonymous.

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

Lincolnshire Local Access Forum vacancies A Local Access Forum (LAF) is a statutory body established under the Countryside and Rights of Way (CROW) Act 2000, providing strategic advice on improving public access to land. Vacancies currently exist for people to sit on the Mid Lincolnshire Local Access Forum. Applications are encouraged from people with knowledge and experience of: Landownership/land management

Path users Wider countryside access issues Vacancies also currently exist on the South Lincolnshire and Rutland Local Access Forum. Applications are encouraged from people with knowledge and experience of wider countryside access issues. If you would like to be considered for this voluntary position email countryside_ access@lincolnshire.gov.uk to express your interest.

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p68-69 East News_December 2019_Land & Business 63

21/11/2019 10:22

IN FOCUS

Rural dispute resolutions DISPUTES

CLA members who offer services in rural disputes

Working with landowners across Yorkshire, we advise on agreements to have in place to prevent disputes on boundaries/easements etc, but more importantly we have the specialist knowledge and expertise to act to get a dispute resolved as quickly and eﬃciently as possible. Our mediation service is an effective way to reach a compromise preventing a dispute escalating. Contact Neil Largan, Head of Dispute Resolution and Mediator.

Blake Morgan is a full service law ﬁrm with a specialist property litigation team experienced in advising farmers and landowners on all types of property disputes including: • Farm Business Tenancies (FBTs) and Agricultural Holdings Act tenancies (AHAs) • Disputes with operators under the Telecoms Code • Property issues arising from land development We pride ourselves on combining strategic property advice with our dispute resolution expertise to achieve our clients’ commercial objectives.

Crombie Wilkinson Tel: 01904 624185 Email: n.largan@crombiewilkinson.co.uk

Blake Morgan Tel: 0118 955 3023 Email: zoe.wright@blakemorgan.co.uk Website: blakemorgan.co.uk

Working across Cumbria, Yorkshire and Lancashire we are here to help with every legal need of rural businesses and the families who run them. Our practical dispute resolution service serves to prevent disputes developing and resolve any that arise along the way eﬃciently and affordably. We have unrivalled knowledge in tenancy, access, easement & boundary, partnership, inheritance and livestock & equine disputes and represent clients in the courts and tribunals.

The Thompson Smith and Puxon (TSP) Agriculture team has a long-standing and strong relationship with the rural community and provides legal advice to the ﬁrm’s agricultural clients in connection with property and commercial matters, estate planning, taxation and succession issues, as well as dispute resolution. We understand the speciﬁc issues that the sector faces and the need to resolve problems quickly and effectively to minimise disruption to your business.

Rural Law Practice Tel: 01539 567571 Email: info@rurallawpractice.co.uk Website: thwlegal.co.uk/legal-services/farming-matters

Thompson Smith and Puxon Tel: 01206 574431 Email: info@tsplegal.com Website: tsplegal.com

Harrisons award winning agricultural and environmental team can provide a comprehensive service to all types of rural services whatever the dispute that has arisen. Our expertise in all aspects of legal issues which relate to the agricultural sector including partnership law, succession, land law and diversiﬁcation enables us to assist to resolve your dispute. Harrisons Tel: 01938 480000 Email: huwwilliams@harrisonsllp.com Email: lowrirees@harrisonsllp.com Website: harrisonsllp.com

64 DECEMBER 2019 | LAND & BUSINESS

CLA Class Dec19.indd 64

Based across Worcestershire, QualitySolicitors Parkinson Wright offer Dispute Resolution Services for all manner of business and personal matters including issues relating to Farm Estates, landlord and tenant concerns, contract disputes, equestrian issues, property disputes relating to rights of way, overage arrangements and boundaries, and disputes relating to wills, trusts and ownership of land and property. Parkinson Wright Tel: 01905 721600 Email: worcester@parkinsonwright.co.uk

cla.org.uk

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Cattle grid BESPOKE SIGNS Guestling Wood This beautiful High Weald ancient woodland, is well known for its dazzling displays of spring ďŹ&#x201A;owers including wood anemones and bluebells.

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Sweet chestnut coppice with oak standards dominate the site but the southern part of wood also has a signiďŹ cant area of oak coppice â&#x20AC;&#x201C; rare in the south east of England. Centuries of human activity has also left its mark on the wood in the shape of woodbanks, sawpits, charcoal hearths, pits, quarries and hollow-way.

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A small stream called Ladyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Brook, ďŹ&#x201A;ows along most of the western boundary. We want everyone to enjoy this irreplaceable ancient woodland. Please keep dogs under control, clear up after them and take your litter home with you.

The Woodland Trust Kempton Way Grantham Lincolnshire NG31 6LL Telephone 01476 581111 The Woodland Trust is a registered charity no. 294344. A non-proďŹ t making company limited by guarantee. Registered in England no. 1982873. The Woodland Trust logo is a registered trademark. ÂŠ Crown Copyright 2014. All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey Licence no. AL100021607. 6302 12/14

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Willow, alder, hazel and ash trees can all be seen in the damper ground around Ladyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Brook, along with dogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mercury, sedges and rushes.

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

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020 7324 2774 / cla.class@redactive.co.uk

BILLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LEGS BETTER WITH BIOFLOW After reading about BioďŹ&#x201A;ow magnetic therapy wristbands Bill Tinkler decided to give one a try. Bill who is in his 70s, had been a HGV driver for many years but was now having difďŹ culty getting into his car, let alone his truck. He even had to use his invalid scooter to get down the long drive from his car to his house.

TREE GUARDS & ARCHES

Pergolas & Rose Arches A quality product made in Lincolnshire Constructed in solid steel. Available in powder coated painted, galvanized or self colour. Tailored to suit sizes, style and requirements

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

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

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

BIOFLOWS MAKE GREAT CHRISTMAS PRESENTS FOR PEOPLE AND ANIMALS! For more information contact: Jenny Ryan 0114 2307844 / 07817671259, 16 Den Bank Crescent, ShefÂżeld S10 5PD jennyryan@magneticpower4u.com www.magneticpower4u.net

SELLING YOUR WOODLAND ?

Expert witness service

John Clegg & Co

Land surveys

CHARTERED SURVEYORS & FORESTRY AGENTS

01844 291384 www.johnclegg.co.uk

Contact Heidi on 01425 476287 or office@boundaries.net Orchard House,39 Christchurch Rd, Ringwood, Hampshire, BH24 1DG www.boundaries.net

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

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Deed plans prepared

HEDGING

We have record numbers of prospective purchasers seeking amenity and conifer woodlands in England, Scotland & Wales. If you are thinking of selling please contact:

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Chartered Surveyors and Boundary Demarcation Specialists Boundaries checked

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He says â&#x20AC;&#x153;I used to ďŹ nd it really difďŹ cult to get in and out of my car and truck. I can now get in much more easily. I also ďŹ nd changing gear and steering much less of a problem. I no longer use my invalid scooter to get down the drive. I cycle now! Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m really pleased with my wristband and with the service I got from Jenny.

WOODLANDS

David J Powell Surveys

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He bought a BioďŹ&#x201A;ow Elite wristband from independent distributor Jenny Ryan and was delighted by the changes it made to his life.

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HEALTHCARE

BRIDGES

PLANTING NEW HEDGES OR WOODLAND? 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 Easy to erect, OK for gardens & Woodlands

Ground Reinforcement Meshes

FINANCE

COMMERCIAL LOANS & MORTGAGES

Tel 01435 862992 Fax 01435 867742 sales@ewburrownursery.co.uk www.ewburrownursery.co.uk

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

3mths-25yrs ÂŁ10,000 - ÂŁ5,000,000 Specialist help for Financial Problem cases

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PEST CONTROL

ACCESS TRAILERS

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

SHOOT TRANSPORT TM

UK’s largest range of passenger trailers

E: sales@accesstrailers.co.uk

T: 07854085880

KITCHEN SUPPLIES

THE KNIFE SHARPENER GUY The proper outdoorsman cannot aﬀord to be without one of these nestled in the stalking or shooting bag, stuck to the Land Rover bonnet or in a kitchen drawer. In fact a brace would be ideal. The world's best knife sharpener will sharpen most steel bladed knives. The suction-based knife sharpener is simple to use and 100% eﬀective. It also makes the perfect gift, so add one to your Christmas gift list.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

WANTED: SNOWDROPS AND ACONITES

(Also Wild Garlic, Wild Daffodils, Wood Anemones & Bluebell Seed) We are bulb specialists and established nurserymen of 40 years who specialise in the thinning of specified areas of Snowdrops and Aconites. We pay excellent prices to thin out specified areas. Very little disturbance caused. Thinning also improves the growth and quality of the flowers which are left, enabling this procedure to be repeated in years to come. Harvesting commences January onwards (paid on a cash basis).

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www.accesstrailers.co.uk

for further details please contact EMAIL:

www.theknifesharpenerguy.co.uk PONDS, LAKES & BOATS

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HEATING, FUEL & CHIMNEYS O ffer the complete range of wood log boilers T wo complete ranges – Angus Super and Angus Orligno 200 O utput range – 18kW, 25kW, 40kW, 60kW, 80kW, 96kW and 130kW Products fully MCS certified G rants available under Renewable Heat Incentive 92% Heat Efficiency Significantly reduce heating costs Incorporate into existing heating system

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LAKES

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Acrefield Solutions Ltd Lilford Lodge Farm Barnwell, nr Oundle Northamptonshire PE8 5SA

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CLA Class Dec19.indd 69

Reduce your heating costs and utilise your wood ^P[O H Ä_LK N\HYHU[LLK YL[\YU MVY \W [V `LHYZ • 3VN I\YUPUN JLU[YHS OLH[PUN & hot water systems • 9/0 .YHU[Z H]HPSHISL • ,HZ` [V PUZ[HSS HUK VWLYH[L

01984 640 656

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

LAND & BUSINESS | DECEMBER 2019 69

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020 7324 2774 / cla.class@redactive.co.uk

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

TREES & FORESTRY

TREES & HEDGE PLANTS

St Mary’s Pla , Nr Sevenoaks, Kent

The Walnut Tree Company is the leading supplier of quality Walnut timber, Walnut fruit, Sweet Chestnut, Almond, and Kentish Cobnut trees. Alexander Hunt also gives specialist advice for the garden, orchard, forest and amenities/landscape uses.

walnu rees.co.uk website walnu rees.co.uk

mobile 07979 525 939

telephone 01732 882 734

email info@walnu rees.co.uk

• Top quality trees & hedge plants of northern provenance • Full range of sundries & accessories • Skilled planting & aftercare service

TREES – HEDGING – SUNDRIES – PLANTING British Trees grown in Yorkshire – Ring for FREE 2019 catalogue

THORPE TREES Thorpe Underwood, York. YO26 9TA

Tel: 01423 330977 Fax: 01423 331348 E: sales@thorpetrees.com

www.thorpetrees.com

The Complete & Professional Service for the Countryside

CHANTLER TIMBER LLP HA HAVE AVE IMM M EDIA ED DIA IATE TE PAY AYME MENT ME NT AVA VAIL ILAB IL ABLE AB LE WITH WI TH A DEM E AN AND D FO FOR R

OAK, OAK, OA K, OF AL ALL L GR GRAD ADES AD ES ES ALSO AL SO INT NTER ERES ER ESTE ES TED TE D IN SWEE SW EET EE T CH CHES ESTN ES TNUT TN UT,, EL UT ELM, M, YEW EW,, BE BEEC ECH, EC H, ASH SH,, SY SYCA CAMO CA MORE MO RE, RE WEST WE STER ST ERN ER N RE RED, D CED D, EDAR AR,, DO AR DOUG UGLA UG LAS LA S FI FIR R AN AND D LA LARC RCH RC H

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Situated in the beautiful county of Northumberland from where we grow and supply bare root trees to our wide customer base. Trees please has grown to be a true one stop shop for those looking to plant trees.

Our nursery team have over 200 collective years experience in growing and nursery production as well as a ﬁrm understanding of the forestry industry. Please get in touch today.

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Hardwood Firewood Bought Standing or Felled O ﬁc Of ﬁce: ce: 017 782 752 5241 414 or Ian Sym 414 ymon ons: on s 077 s: 7711 11 782 299 90 e-ma em ili: in ma info fo@c fo @cha @c ha ant ntle lert le rtim rt im mbe b r..co.u co o.u uk

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25 YEARS EXPERIENCE GROWING QUALITY PLANTS

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• UK grown Farm & Field Hedging • Mixed Hedgerow & Woodland Packs • Landscaping & Screening • Field & Specimen Trees • Tree guards, Shelters & Accessories

Tel: 01404 812229 or visit: www.bowhayestrees.co.uk

LIFESTOCK ACCESSORIES

• 50 Tonne Capacity • Quick Fit in 3-4 hrs • No Concrete • Low maintenance • Agriculture / Residential • Deer Grids • Highway Cattle Grids

01686 627374 | www.hopkinscattlegrids.co.uk 70 DECEMBER 2019 | LAND & BUSINESS

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LOGSPLITTERS The original British manufactured high quality log splitters. Powerful PTO driven screw type machines equivalent to ram splitters rated in excess of 40 tons. Simple to use, robust, highly versatile and effective. Splits all sizes from ‘rings’ to kindling. The best value for tractor owners. Website: www.hydrocut.co.uk

HYDROCUT LTD.

Tel: (01787) 222266

Email: info@hydrocut.co.uk

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CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

LOG CABINS & TIMBER BUILDINGS

020 7324 2774 / cla.class@redactive.co.uk

We are a family run business and have been working hard for the last 25 years to fulfil dreams. Come and see our beautiful â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;transportableâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Log buildings at our show site near Melton Mowbray.

TH THE TH HE E NATURAL NATU NA ATU TURA RAL RA AL CH CHO C CHOI CHOICE HOI OICE OICE

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

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finlogcabins

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Mobile log homes â&#x20AC;¢ Log houses â&#x20AC;¢ Bespoke designs

UK COMPANY SUPPLYING LOG HOMES FROM LAPLAND

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Quickly installed, cost-eï¬&#x20AC;ective homes for rural applications. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve built decades of experience and Planning knowledge into our solid log homes. Choose Stylish Contemporary or Timeless Traditional.

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Comply with Caravan Act and requirements for a temporary dwelling.

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

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CLA Class Dec19.indd 71

0118 966 9236 www.norwegianlog.co.uk LAND & BUSINESS | DECEMBER 2019 71

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CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

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POULTRY

FENCING, GATES & IRONWORK

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Established Manufacturers of British made Estate Fencing, Gates, Tree Guards, Farm Security Gates, Garden Arches, Railings and Lawn Edging.

Standard Feeder

£99 + P&P

Suitable for hens, bantams, small ducks - holds approx 10kg of feed.

Large Feeder £135 + P&P

Please contact us for a quotation. Tel: 01733 270 724 Email: sales@paddockfencing.com www.paddockfencing.com

Suitable for hens, ducks and turkeys - holds approx 20kg of feed.

CONSTRUCTION

AGRI PLANT SOLUTIONS LTD

DRIVES, YARDS, PATHS AND CAR PARKS CONSTRUCTED AND RECONSTRUCTED FROM ONLY £1.50 PER M2

Basic Ground Reclamation is ideal for a maintenance option. It eradicates pot holes, re-shapes the site to facilitate water to run off and leave a smart ﬁnish.

WWW.AGRIPLANTSOLUTIONS.CO.UK

COVERAGE THROUGHOUT ENGLAND AND WALES Cement Stabilization turns our basic ground reclamation service into a permanent road surface. It is ideal for wet, eroded sites. Cement stabilization offers a surface equal in strength to concrete but at a fraction of the cost. Cement is added to the recycled material aÍ pre-calculated rates and thoroughly incorporated evenly throughout the site. The cement treated material is graded in accordance with drainage requirements and compacted.The site will then by hydrated in order for the cement to do its job. The ﬁnish left is a natural stone look. To ﬁnish the look why not add a Surface Dressing of your choice this will increase the longevity of the site but also looks fantastic. There is an endless range of chipping types and colours available.

Contact Marcus Sutton - Tel: 07875Ë299669 Email: agriplantsolutionsltd@live.co.uk Manor House Farm, Ansley, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, CV10 0QP 72 DECEMBER 2019 | LAND & BUSINESS

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FIRE LIGHTERS

Firelighting without Fuss ■ NO Paperr ■ NO Matchhes ■ NO Stickss ■ NO Chem mical ght Firelig

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The CLEAN, SIMPLE,, EFFICI to light a solid fuel ﬁre - and it’s exceptionally fast and economical The award winning G enad er el i ﬁrelighter is guaranteed to light all types of solid fuel - FAST.

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FENCING, GATES & IRONWORK

Gets your ﬁre up to peak efﬁciency in the shortest possible time. MADE IN BRITAIN

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STOPS DOWNDRAFT IMPROVES BURNING EFFICIENCY GUARANTEED TO WORK

WHAT THE CUSTOMERS SAY...

Just had to tell you what a great success the “Flue Cube” has been to us, we have gone from a non-drawing, smoking Ü ` LÕÀ iÀ Ì > ÃÕ«iÀ ivw V i Ì w Ài] Üi V> ½Ì Ì > Þ Õ enough for your excellent service & help we will certainly be recommending the “Flue Cube” to all. Thank you.” Edward & Diana Watson

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LAST WORD

Country

View

Brian Martin describes how country shows have changed for the better

From bear-baiting to biggest pumpkin

‘The focus has changed from barbarity to education and promotion of animal welfare’

he earliest fairs, in mediaeval times, were predominantly serious events, largely based on trade in agriculture or hiring workers. Only very gradually did an element of entertainment come in, with all sorts of often strange attractions to lure the curious. Much more recently there has been a great increase in country gatherings, variously branded as fetes and festivals as well as shows. Many have become massive and specialist, such as for ﬁeld sports, cars, apples, birds, horses or ﬂowers, but perhaps the most valuable are those more modest local events which promote community spirit. Among the most popular attractions from the 12th to the 19th centuries was the gruesome sport of bear-baiting, in which specially bred dogs such as Old English bulldogs were pitted against tethered animals. Even Elizabeth I was an avid follower and bred mastiffs for baiting specially

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IMAGE: ALAMY

to entertain foreign guests. Dogs would be set on a chained bear and replaced as they became tired or were wounded or killed. And to add to the ‘fun’ the bears were sometimes let loose to chase animals or people. Eventually this was so popular bears became scarce and very expensive, so bull baiting became the main attraction, those which survived being slaughtered afterwards for their meat, as it was believed that the ﬁght made the meat more tender. Fortunately such ‘entertainment’, along with many other odd attractions such as freak shows are a thing of the past, though we still have many eccentrics and quirky events such as cheese rolling, ﬁreball whirling, bed of nails and mud wrestling, running happily alongside more restrained activities such as maypole dancing, falconry, clay pigeon shooting, dog showing and vegetable and baking competitions. The focus has changed from barbarity to education and promotion of animal welfare, conservation, social interaction, healthy pursuits, clubs, societies and charities, as well as having good, old fashioned fun. Helping to run a village fete over many years has been hard work but thoroughly enjoyable in getting to befriend lovely local people I would probably not otherwise have known. The number of hours put into the organisation of this event by some of the stalwarts has been most remarkable, providing special skills or simple manpower, and I’m sure this is repeated throughout the country. Nationwide, the contribution by landowners has also been admirable, many in past centuries often holding special estate events primarily to thank their large workforces, and nowadays frequently providing important sponsorship as well as land free of charge to stage events. How satisfying it is to see such blossoming of community spirit.

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A member benefit not to be missed CLA Insurance has provided CLA members with rural insurance solutions for over 15 years catering the diverse needs of landowners, farmers and rural businesses. Reasons for you to give us a call if you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t already: We are not a generalist insurance broker. We only specialise in all things rural We are part of the largest independent international retail broker giving us leverage and negotiating power on your behalf Our improved product offers competitive rates, wide cover and increased liability limits

Call 01234 817 956 to get a quote or visit www.clainsurance.co.uk andÂ weÂ will contact you close to your renewal date.

More than you imagined cla.org.uk

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, 22 YEARS EXPERIENCE. 2,640 MILES WALKED EVERY SEASON. 3 training pitches. 50 Players training dailY. 1 Leaf blower.

Ed Mowe Head Groundsman, Leicester Tigers.

When it comes to the challenge of looking after parks and pitches all year round, STIHL tackles it head on. With a range of tools designed to maintain grounds to the highest and most professional standards. Not only does STIHL set the standard for quality, efďŹ ciency and reliability, our tools are also easy to maintain and offer superb parts availability. All of which adds up to minimum downtime and maximum performance.

The new STIHL BR 800 is our most powerful backpack blower to date, designed with both power and comfort in mind.

Find out more at your local STIHL Approved Dealer or visit

www.stihl.co.uk/pro 76 DECEMBER 2019 | LAND & BUSINESS LAB.Dec19.076.indd 76

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