Rural Estate Management
Background
Prior to starting my studies at the Royal Agricultural College in 1989, I undertook a year’s farming experience on a 250 acre arable and beef farm in Sherbourne, Warwickshire. This was proper farming where the mucking out was manual and the machinery old and basic, regardless I thoroughly enjoyed it. My practical experience was further enhanced by being invited back for subsequent harvest work and also night lambing on another farm.
After completing my first year at Cirencester I took a 1 year training position as an Assistant Land Agent with Cluttons in Harrogate. Working with Tony Pardoe, it proved to be an invaluable introduction to Estate Management and rural practice surveying.
In my final year at the RAC I was ‘milk rounded’ on to the Savills graduate training program, one of only ten recruited nationally. I was posted to the Cambridge office and acted for a diverse range of clients from Charities, University Colleges, Pension Funds, Private clients and Utilities. I would have stayed with Savills after qualifying as a Rural Chartered Surveyor, but I was tempted by the opportunity to broaden my experience at Fountain Forestry.
During my time at Fountain Forestry I was responsible for negotiating the purchase and sales of forests on behalf of clients throughout the UK and North Eastern USA. In addition I carried out all the property valuations for the Company and negotiated compensation in relation to: tree cutting work for Electricity Co.s and Railtrack; telecom towers new and existing.
My family has owned an Estate in Somerset for in excess of 260 years but I am the first for many generations to have been educated in the art of land management and I advise the family on issues as they arise and on the future direction and opportunities that the Estate offers. This has ensured that I have remained current with the many facets of Land Management.
Experience
All areas of Estate Management including valuations, rent reviews, FBTs and woodland management.
Professional work including compensation negotiations for CPOs, Wayleaves/Easements and telecoms towers.
Farm Agency.
Sustainability and its ‘real world’ suitability and viability.
