From the Army to Rural Land Management: My Journey and Advice for Veterans

Recently, I had the opportunity to speak at the Royal Scots Club in Edinburgh, where I shared my personal journey from military service to my current role as Head of Rural Land Management at Bell Ingram. It’s a story filled with highs, lows, and plenty of lessons learned. After 16 years in the Army, I transitioned to civilian life, a move that was both exciting and challenging, and now, I want to share some of the things I learned along the way to help other veterans considering their next steps.

Life After the Military: The Start of a New Chapter

I left the Army in 2006 after serving as a Major in the Royal Dragoon Guards. While I knew that I was ready for a new challenge, stepping into civilian life was more daunting than I expected. I had spent years preparing for this moment – researching careers and studying for a degree in Estate Management from Reading University while still serving. But no matter how prepared you feel, the shift can be overwhelming.

The reality hit me hard when I took my first civilian job as a commercial chartered surveyor. I had thought this would be the perfect role to get my teeth into, but I quickly realised that it wasn’t the right fit for me. Commercial property, with its focus on retail, office, and industrial sectors, didn’t align with my passion for rural land management. That was a tough lesson, but it helped me better understand what I truly wanted to do.

Finding My Path in Rural Land Management

By 2010, I shifted to rural practice surveying, which felt like the perfect match for me. Today, as Bell Ingram’s Head of Land Management, I oversee a fantastic team of rural professionals, and we cover an area the size of Belgium from our offices in Beauly. My work is incredibly rewarding because it allows me to use both the skills I developed in the military and the expertise I’ve gained in the surveying world.

Of course, getting here wasn’t easy, and there were plenty of moments where I questioned if I was on the right path. But with each challenge, I learned more about myself and the civilian world I had stepped into. Now, I want to pass along some of those lessons to other veterans who may be on a similar journey.

Transitioning to Civilian Life: My Advice for Veterans

If you’re getting ready to leave the military, my first piece of advice is to treat your transition like any other mission you’ve faced in the Army. Use the 7Ps – Prior Planning & Preparation Prevents P* Poor Performance. Take the time to plan your next steps carefully because this change can be unpredictable.

Here are some of the key things I learned:

  1. Start Networking Early

One of the most important things you can do is start building a network. I can’t stress this enough – get out there and meet people. Networking opened up many doors for me, and it can do the same for you. Don’t wait until you’ve already left the military to start. Engage in the resettlement process early, attend events, and reach out to people in the industries you’re interested in. Many jobs are filled through word of mouth, so being proactive is key.

  1. Geography Matters More Than You Think

When I left the Army, my wife and I had already bought a house and relocated our young family to Perthshire. That decision tied me to a specific area, which limited my job prospects. It’s important to think carefully about where you want to live and how that will impact your career options. If you own a home, especially with children in local schools, you may need to prioritise job opportunities in that area, which can make things more challenging.

  1. Be Realistic, But Don’t Lose Sight of Your Ambitions

The civilian world is different from the military, and you might have to start at a lower level than you’re used to. Don’t let that discourage you. You may have left the Army as a colonel, but your first job as a civilian might be at an entry level. That doesn’t mean you won’t rise quickly – it’s all part of the process. Keep your long-term goals in mind, and don’t let short-term setbacks derail your ambition.

  1. Civilian Employers May Not Understand Your Experience

This is something I learned early on: civilians might not fully grasp the scale of your military experience. That’s okay. It’s up to you to explain what you’ve done in a way that resonates with them. Be humble, but don’t sell yourself short. What may seem like “just another day on the job” to you can be extraordinary to a potential employer.

  1. Don’t Be Afraid to Change Direction

If your first job out of the military doesn’t feel right, don’t be afraid to switch gears. It’s okay to make course corrections. When I realised that commercial surveying wasn’t for me, I pivoted to rural practice surveying, and that was the best decision I could have made. Your career is a journey, and it’s okay to adjust along the way.

What Veterans Bring to the Table

Veterans have so much to offer, and I believe employers should recognise the unique skills we bring to the table. In the military, we’re trained to solve problems, adapt quickly, and make decisions under pressure – skills that are invaluable in any business setting.

I would encourage employers to engage with veterans early in the hiring process. We may not always have the specific technical skills you’re looking for right off the bat, but we make up for it with leadership, adaptability, and a drive to succeed. Hiring a veteran isn’t just filling a position – it’s an investment in someone who will bring value and experience to your team.

Why I Love Working in the Rural Sector

One of the best parts of my job is the variety. No two days are the same, and I love the broad skill set that rural land management requires. The rural sector also offers a real sense of community and purpose. It’s incredibly satisfying to build strong relationships with clients and contribute to the local community.

On top of that, working in the Highlands gives me the chance to enjoy some of the most stunning landscapes in Scotland. The quality of life is unbeatable, and the work is fulfilling on a personal and professional level.

Final Thoughts

Transitioning from the military to civilian life is a big step, and it’s not always easy. But with the right mindset, careful planning, and a willingness to adapt, you can find success and fulfilment in your new career. For me, the rural sector has been the perfect fit, and I hope my story helps other veterans find their own path.

Remember, you’ve already proven you can handle tough challenges in the military -this next phase is just another mission. With determination and a clear plan, you’ll get where you want to go.

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Scottish Government opens consultation on Crofting Reform

Crofting has a high historical and cultural importance to the Highland and Islands communities. Unique to Scotland, the land tenure promotes sustainable land use by local individuals where the land has often been crofted by their families for generations.

According to the Crofting Commission there are approximately 21,500 Crofts recorded. To be a Crofter, the owner or the tenant of the Croft, must ordinarily be resident on, or within 32km of, their croft, they have a duty to cultivate and maintain their croft or put it to another purposeful use and they have a duty not to misuse of neglect their croft.

The main pieces of legislation relating to crofting are the Crofters (Scotland) Act 1993, as amended by the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 and the Crofting (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2013. Now, the Scottish Government has opened up a consultation on proposals for changes and simplifications to crofting law. They are seeking views on proposals on:

Entry to crofting

Crofting communities

Use of Common Grazings

Strengthening residency and land use

Enhance Crofting Commission powers

Simplifying crofting

The government wish to build on previous reforms to help more people to become crofters and improve support for existing crofters, enable more and different activities to take place on common grazings such as projects that are in line with environmental initiatives, streamline the process for breaches of crofters duties and to resolve crofting regulatory issues more quickly.

At present, only one crofter can be registered to a croft and any assignation of a crofting tenancy can only be to one person. One of the proposals considers being able to create a joint crofting tenancy which would allow two people to be registered to a single croft. This is to be inline with other forms of tenancies available in the country such as the residential PRT agreements.

Senior Surveyor at Bell Ingram, Hamish Hope comments: “The thought behind this is to allow crofters to use more resources from each party and in situations where an older crofter wishes to pass their tenancy to another family member but still wishes to remain as a tenant. The risk here is that a crofting tenancy is a heritable tenancy and if there were joint tenants, there could be a conflict on the future of the croft which would add complications to an already complicated land tenure. The consultation paper discusses this further.”

Another proposal is in relation to Common Grazings, which are areas of land where multiple crofters have a right to graze the land known as a share. Common Grazings account for approximately 550,000 hectares of land in the country.

Hamish continues: “Common Grazings are being used less and less with livestock numbers on crofts declining. The government proposes to remove barriers that will allow crofters to use common grazing land for other purposes such as woodland creation, biodiversity enhancement and peatland restoration. This could bring more income to the related crofting community and built stronger relationships. To do this, the roles of Grazing Committees need to be more simple and clear and Crofters need to be encouraged to actively use their shares.”

To read the full Crofting Consultation Report which covers all aspects of the proposals, please click here. For all information regarding Crofting, please visit the Crofting Commission here.

If you wish to discuss crofting with one of our land agents, please contact Bell Ingram here.

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Scottish Government introduces new land reform legislation with major implications for landowners

On 13th March 2024, the Scottish Government introduced the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill. The aim of this Bill is to reform the law around large landholdings and certain types of leases of land. The controversial Bill includes measures for landholding over 1,000 hectares including potentially prohibiting the sale of the land until Ministers have been consulted and the impact on the local community assessed.

Landholdings of over 1,000 hectares account for over 50% of Scotland’s land so this Bill could potentially have drastic effects on how land is managed. If a sale of a landholding over 1,000 hectares is deemed by the ministers to have a negative impact on local communities, the land could be divided into smaller portions. This would allow for communities to purchase smaller land areas and provide opportunities for other parties who would not be able to purchase land otherwise to have the chance of land ownership.

To tackle climate change and reach net zero, many landowners throughout the country have started work on peatland restoration projects, woodland creation, riparian woodland and more regenerative and environmentally friendly farming practices. If large landholdings are broken down into smaller parcels, there is a risk that these current cohesive and large scale projects will be slowed due to minister intervention and the requirement for agreements to be made between multiple landowners. This will potentially slow down the progress that is already being made to reach net zero.

The Bill also puts legal responsibilities on landowners to demonstrate how their land is being used to address public policy priorities, contributing to nature restoration and reducing the impact climate change. Many landowners are already managing their land in a way to address these issues already. There will be the requirement for landowners to engage with local communities about how they use the land.

The Bill also sheds light on a proposed new tenancy model called a “Land Management Tenancy” which the Ministers will publish, this is to support tenancy to manage the land within their tenancies in ways that meet their needs as well as the nation’s. Measures are also included to reform tenant farming, increase sustainability and productivity and to compensate tenants at the end of their agreements for their investment of time and resources.

The Bill can be read in full here.

The Scottish Government has also published the report on the findings of a consultation held as part of a Strategic Environmental Assessment of agricultural tenancies, small landholdings and land management tenancy proposals. Within this report it is stated that many respondents noted that there needs to be a balance between tenants’ rights and landlords’ long term security. The respondents have also stated that further guidance and consultation is needed regarded a new tenancy model.

The report and findings can be read here.

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Important Update: Changes in Scotland’s Private Rented Sector

Since September 2022, there have been regulations in place to control rent increases and safeguard against evictions for privately let residential properties, established under the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022. However, effective April 1st, 2024, these restrictions, including the 3% rent increase cap, will be lifted.

To mitigate the risk of significant rent hikes, pending parliamentary approval, the process for rent adjudication will be temporarily adjusted for one year, starting April 1st, 2024. This adjustment aims to provide a fair approach to resolving rent disputes during this transitional period.

Here’s what landlords need to know about rent reviews in April:

Private residential tenants can dispute a rent increase, with disputes reviewed by Rent Service Scotland or the First-tier Tribunal.

Rent will be determined based on the lowest of three figures: the open market rate, the rent requested by the landlord, and a comparator based on the difference between the market rate and the current rate.

Proposed regulations necessitate the use of a rent taper formula if a tenant applies for rent adjudication:

*If the rent increase is 6% or less than the market rent, the landlord can increase the rent by the proposed amount.

*If the gap between the market rent and the current rent exceeds 6%, the landlord can increase it by 6% plus 0.33% for each percent that the gap exceeds 6%. The total rent increase cannot exceed 12%.

Read the Rent Adjudication (Temporary Modifications)(Scotland) Regulations 2024 here..

As demand for rented property rises, many privately let properties with existing tenants now have below-market rent due to the 3% cap in place since 2022. This is likely to lead to widespread rent increases across the country, although the full impact on the market remains to be seen.

Before these restrictions are lifted, further changes are set to take effect on March 1st, 2024, with new measures being added to the Repairing Standard, which applies to all privately let residential properties and Short Term Lets. These include:

*Safe Kitchens

*Fixed Heating System

*Safe Access to Common Parts

*Consent to Work on Common Parts

*Safe and Secure Common Doors

*Residual Current Devices

*Properties must be free of lead pipes, or a water quality test must be carried out.

*Other fuels, such as oil installations, must meet the same repair standards as gas and electricity installations.

For full information regarding the changes to the Repairing Standard, click here. While many properties will already meet these additional requirements, there is a risk, primarily to older tenancies, that may not meet the new requirements, necessitating additional works.

For further discussions on how these changes affect your property, please contact our professional letting agents at Bell Ingram.

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Heat in Buildings Bill – Potential impact on privately let residential properties in Scotland

Anyone involved in Scottish residential property management has been growing increasingly frustrated by the limited information available around the reform of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) in Scotland.

Initial legislation was drafted in 2019 but binned in 2021 due to Covid, and since then landlords and property managers have been left in limbo, knowing that changes to the minimum standard are coming but not knowing when they might come into force or what they might involve.

However, more detail emerged this week when the Scottish Government opened the consultation on the proposals for Heat in Buildings Bill.

This consultation confirms that the Government plans to require private landlords to meet a minimum energy efficiency standard by the end of 2028, and by the end of 2033 owner occupied homes will also need to meet a minimum energy efficiency standards.

So, what will the minimum energy efficiency standard be?

For years now, it has been known that a minimum EPC score is incoming but there has been a lack of clarity on how this might be achieved, and if there are going to be any exclusions or if there is going to be a price cap.

This new consultation proposes that minimum energy efficiency standards can be met by installing a straightforward list of measures. This list would be developed to ensure the biggest impact with the lowest degree of cost and disruption. It is important to note that the consultation says:

“Any homeowner who had installed these measures – or as many of them as are feasible for the type of home they live in – would be considered to have reached a good level of energy efficiency and meet the new standard.”

This is reassuring as it confirms that not all proposed measures will need to be met in every single property. The consultation suggests that the list could be:

  • 270mm loft insulation

  • Cavity wall insulation

  • Draught-proofing

  • Heating controls

  • 80mm hot water cylinder insulation

  • Suspended floor insulation

Many landlords and homeowners will have made energy improvements to their properties already; therefore this consultation proposes that alongside the above measures, there could be an alternative option of meeting these standards based on the result of an EPC assessment.

It is proposed that owner occupied homes that have ended their use of polluting heating, gas or oil for example, by 2033 will not be required to meet the minimum energy efficiency standard. However, private rented properties would still be required to meet the minimum energy efficiency standard, even if a clean heating system is already in place.

Finally, there is a hint of clarification around the consequences to landlords if their properties do not meet a minimum energy efficiency standard. The consultation proposes that properties in the private rented sector which do not meet these standards by the end of 2028 would not be allowed to be leased to a new tenant should the existing tenant leave.

The consultation on the proposals for Heat in Buildings Bill began on 28th November 2023, and is due to close on 8th March 2024.

The consultation can be read in full here.

Please contact Bell Ingram’s Rural Land Management team on 01738 621 121 if you have any questions and would like to discuss how this may impact your properties.

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Farm Machinery Dispersal Sale

SATURDAY 28TH OCTOBER 2023 AT 11AM

AT CLAXTON FARM, HARTLEPOOL, TS22 5PT

On behalf of R D Dryden (retiring)

To include: New Holland TX36 20’ cut combine K Reg, 4,040 hrs, self-levelling shoe, chopper & trolley; Clayton Bugge 24m Sprayer c/w Chafer tank; Maschio Power Harrow/Accord drill combination; 2 x Dowdeswell 5F Ploughs; Vaderstad Rapid 30 S mounted drill; Parmiter 12’6” Discs; Howard 100” Rotaspike; Lely 3 ½ m P. Harrow; Kuhn 4m & 3 ½ m P. Harrows; Twin leg sub soiler; Blench Packer; Simba 4m trailed press; Edlington 6m Rollers; N-H 286 Baler; Ritchie 56 Bale Carrier; Browns Flat 8 Sledge; 5 Round Bale Carrier; 14T Trailer; JCB 3C.

Included by permission: Ford Ranger 19 Reg c. 26,000 miles 3.2 6 speed manual, tow bar.

On behalf of Mrs M J Dryden: Deutz DX 450 4wd c/w Alo loader; John Deere 2650 2wd; MAN 8-163 7 ½ t Truck (no test); N-H 1530 12’ cut combine; Petbow FC48 60Kva generator; Kuhn 3m P. Harrow/Accord drill combi; J-D 359 small baler; J-D 550 R Baler; Dowdeswell 4+1 Rev Plough; Ransomes 4F Plough; 2 Sets Cambridge Rolls; Small trailed sprayer; 2 Sets Discs; P-Z Haybob; 56 Bale Carrier; Bale squeezer; Parmiter Post Knocker; Slurry Tanker; Drainage pipes; Various Dual Wheels; Rice Trailer; Manitou (scrap).

Produce: 75 R Bales Haylage. No small tools. Refreshments available.

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Examining the pros and cons of overhaul of EPC system in Scotland

In the quest for a greener and more sustainable future, the Scottish Government’s ongoing consultation on Domestic Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) reform is a welcome step.

At present, one fifth of Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions comes from our buildings so improving the efficiency of these buildings is vital if we are to achieve net zero by 2045.

Retrofitting our homes to be more efficient not only lowers emissions but also makes them more comfortable and affordable to heat. However, there is a significant monetary cost required to do this and any retrofit must be thought out and assessed to future proof the building.

As our clients and their tenants closely follow these developments, let’s examine why reform is needed and the pros and cons for both parties.

Why is reform needed?

The current RdSAP methodology that determines an EPC score is undoubtedly flawed. Presently, the EPC score is modelled on running costs meaning a property heated via oil fired central heating scores higher than a property heated via efficient electric heaters. If EPCs are to be used to benchmark efficiency to help reach net zero, they must first improve accuracy and make relevant and suitable recommendations. RdSAP 10 will be released in early 2024 and will be introducing changes to the methodology to improve accuracy.

What do the Scottish Government propose?

The Scottish Government proposes to revise the information on domestic EPCs and expand the current metrics. This would separate the certificate into a Fabric Rating, Cost Rating and Heating System Type along with a separate section consisting of the Emissions Rating and Energy Indicator. This would allow for more accuracy while presenting clearer information. Another important aspect to note is that the proposals include reducing the validity of an EPC from 10 years to 5 years.

Pros for Landlords

Increased Property Value: Stricter EPC standards and an accurate methodology would allow properties to be more energy efficient and cheaper to run. Properties being heated correctly could limit maintenance requirements in regard to condensation issues such as mould and damp.

Compliance with Regulations: In the next few years, there will be a minimum EPC requirement to let residential properties. Though dates have not yet been confirmed having a proactive stance could mitigate any potential penalties in the future.

Cons for Landlords

Upfront Costs: Undertaking energy-efficient improvements requires a financial investment. Landlords might face challenges in covering the initial expenses of retrofitting properties with more efficient technologies.

Tenant Resistance: Installing insulation and new heating systems can be disruptive and may require properties to be vacant while improvements are being carried out. Tenants may be hesitant due to potential disruption during renovation periods.

Pros for Tenants

Reduced Energy Bills: Stricter EPC standards would lead to more energy efficient properties, leading to lower utility bills.

Enhanced Comfort: Being able to heat properties correctly and affordably would reduce the risk of mould and condensation issues in the winter months. This reform could contribute to healthier, cosier home for tenants.

Cons for Tenants

Rent Increases: Due to the significant costs required to retrofit properties, it is likely that rents would need to be increased to help cover the upfront costs.

Limited Choices: Not all landlords will be able to or desire to improve the efficiency of their properties which could see a decline in available properties on the rental market. Rural, stone-built properties may never be able to achieve a high scoring EPC which could lead to an even scarcer supply of rural homes available to rent.

Conclusion

Reforming EPCs could be a significant stride towards creating a more energy efficient future. While the pros and cons are clear for both landlords and tenants, it is crucial to recognise that that retrofitting properties is essential for combating climate change and advancing sustainable living. Though we have focused on residential properties, the consultation also covers commercial buildings.

Home Energy Scotland can provide financial support in some cases for both landlords and tenants. Scotland’s Domestic EPC reform consultation closes on 10th October 2023. If you would like to discuss any of the proposals, please contact Bell Ingram and we will be happy to assist you.

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Meet the Land Agent: Catherine Lawson

Life as a Bell Ingram Land Agent offers variety and progression says Senior Associate, Catherine Lawson.

What is your background?

I am from a farming background and grew up on a farm in North Yorkshire.

Once I left school I went to the Scottish Agricultural College at Auchincruive in Ayrshire to study Rural Tourism. After I graduated I worked at a grain lab in Bedfordshire, having spent all my summers before and during my Degree doing the same. I quickly realised I needed office experience if I wanted to move away from seasonal grain lab work and I got a job as a receptionist and typist at a holiday park company.

While working for that company I quickly realised I wanted to work in the rural/agricultural sectors and in particular the rural surveying sector.

What qualifications did you need to become a Land Agent?

I needed to have a RICS accredited qualification to be able to work towards my RICS Assessment of Professional Competence (APC).

Having obtained a non RICS accredited University of Glasgow First Class Rural Tourism honours degree at the Scottish Agricultural College (now SRUC), I went on to complete a Post Graduate Diploma in Surveying through the College of Estate Management which gave me the necessary accredited qualification. This was completed part time via distance learning, while I also worked full time.

What’s been your career path?

I was given a great opportunity working as a Farm Secretary in Leicestershire for a national firm of Surveyors while I completed my Post Graduate Diploma. This gave me a lot of experience in all the administration involved in farm and estate management, as well as a greater knowledge of the rural property sector. It also made me realise that I had chosen the right career path and I knew that I wanted to go on and qualify as a Chartered Surveyor.

Once I completed my Post Graduate Diploma I planned my move back to Scotland and accepted a job at Bell Ingram as an Assistant Land Agent, based in the Perth office. I passed my APC and CAAV exams two years later in November 2016 and then moved to the Forfar office in June 2019 where I am now a Senior Associate.

What’s the biggest misconception of the job?

I think alot of people assume that we are always out of the office visiting clients and properties. While we are fortunate to do this a lot, we actually spend the majority of our time in the office, writing reports and providing advice. Now, with the use of Microsoft teams/zoom we find ourselves out of the office even less as online meetings become easier and more time efficient for everyone involved.

What do you enjoy about the job?

The variety of the workload is one of the best parts of the job. You never know what your day will bring and where in the country it might take you. There are often times when you are driving to a property or walking around some fields, that you have to remind yourself that you’re actually being paid to be there.

It is also a great feeling when you know the advice you have given or the report you have written has helped someone achieve their goals too.

At Bell Ingram I think we are very fortunate to have a great network of colleagues who are all happy to help and share their knowledge and experiences, which can be really useful when dealing with tricky or unusual situations. There is also a really positive workplace culture which makes turning up to the office, even on a sunny Monday morning, enjoyable.

What’s your advice to those thinking of entering the profession?

Do it! If you have a love for the countryside and are looking for great career progression opportunities and variety in your work then it’s definitely a profession you should consider. The enjoyment you get from it can’t be matched.

For more information about becoming a Land Agent and Life  at Bell Ingram contact careers@bellingram.co.uk

 

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Still opportunities to be had in competitive land market

There is no shortage of deals to be done in the current farmland market according to rural property experts, Bell Ingram.

In recent times, we have seen land values remaining strong with many of Bell Ingram’s latest sales achieving offers over the asking price, with great demand for arable and mixed units, be it equipped or bare land.

However, with an increasing number of farm businesses look to expand, the number of buyers looking for land continues to outweigh the supply of land coming to the market.

Bell Ingram is urging those thinking about selling their farm or portioning off land for sale to seek advice on the sales process at the earliest opportunity, especially with this year’s harvest around the corner.

Commenting on the market, Chartered Rural Surveyor, John Kennedy says: “With uncertainty surrounding support schemes, increasing red tape and rising input costs, selling off land may be an attractive proposition for your business. Bell Ingram’s farm sales team can talk you through the sales process for both on market and off market deals.

“It is important to seek advice from our sales team at the earliest opportunity to discuss your circumstances and talk you through the best options. Many farmers hold off making preparations for sale until it becomes time critical and the window for photography and launching at a peak marketing point is missed. The earlier you make your enquiry allows for thorough planning and for every option to be explored, ensuring the best outcome for your business.

“It may also be the case that we have a suitable buyer ready to go as we currently have a number of clients on the books looking for suitable land ranging from 20 acres to large scale operations.”

If you are thinking of placing land or your whole farm on the market, John Kennedy will be pleased to have a confidential, no obligation discussion of   your requirements. Email john.kennedy@bellingram.co.uk or call 01307 462516.

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