Agriculture, Environment and Estates

In a period of unprecedented change for the rural sector, our pragmatic, commercial and strategic support gives you everything you need to protect, preserve and maximise the value of rural assets and estates.

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Key contact

A member of our agriculture and estates team on a farm talking to a client and smiling

Denise Wilkinson

Working with clients whose business is often inextricable from their family lives, I know how important it is to truly understand how they and their business works so that I can give them the practical and strategic advice they need. From farmers, estate owners and managers to a range of landowners including individuals and charities, I support my clients by ensuring that their future can be secured and that they achieve the best possible outcome.

Agriculture, environment and estates expertise

We have one of the largest agriculture, environment and estate sector teams in the country and our experience means we can handle everything from day-to-day matters to large strategic projects.

We offer specialised advice on agricultural tenancies; agricultural contracts; natural capital and agricultural support schemes; green energy; environmental and regulatory matters; public and private access and rights of ways; partnerships, joint ventures and other agricultural business structures; development agreements and overages; common land; mineral rights and manorial rights; sporting and fishing rights and shotgun licensing and judicial review of decisions of statutory authorities.

We can also provide specialist private client advice including will drafting, setting up trusts, tax liability advice, administration of estates, and succession and estate planning.

A team you can trust

Because we understand the rural sector, we understand the importance of getting to know you and your business to ensure our advice reflects the realities of your particular situation.

As a result, we’re trusted by a wide variety of rural stakeholders, including owner-occupier farmers, farming partnerships, farming companies, landed estates, institutional investors, conservation charities, agricultural co-operatives, agricultural show and societies, tourist enterprises and people who hold rural land.

As well as our specific agricultural and estates expertise, we can also call on the expertise of our colleagues in other specialisms across the business when required. It means we’re able to be a ‘one stop legal shop’ that provides a complete legal solution.

Hear what our clients say about us

I cannot thank Bryn Thomas enough for his professionalism and perseverance in a very difficult, drawn-out and challenging situation in the finalisation of my mother’s estate dispute.

Carrie Davies Estates dispute client

Many thanks, once again for both your hard work in this matter. I consider myself very lucky to have both of you acting for myself and family, I do not take this for granted what you both have done and continue to do.

Farming and Development Client Testimonial

The team is proactive, rather than reactive. Has a fantastic support network to accommodate any specialisms needed across the team, collaborating with difficult/complicated matters, meaning you are always getting the right, and best advice.

They provide seamless cover for any out of office requirements and their communication skills are exemplary, meaning you always know where you are with a transactions/job.

Legal 500 2024 Agriculture and Estates

HCR Hewitsons have been a longstanding partner of our organisation and supporting land acquisitions, disputes and projects of national significance for a number of years.

The firm are able to drill down to the necessary detail of a case quickly and effectively.

Legal 500 2024 Agriculture and Estates

Very knowledgeable about the subject matter and local idiosyncrasies. Personable, with a great eye for detail. In our case, they protected our position with vigour and demonstrated excellent commercial acumen. Well-connected to other professionals, with effective working relationships.

 

Legal 500 2024 Agriculture and Estates

From our first contact through to completion, the attention and communication was amazing. We feel very lucky to have been put in touch with you to represent us. As you know, we are now using HCR for the purchase of our next main home.

Client Sale of farmhouse and paddock land

Your service was just what was needed to solve this matter. I would always be very happy to use your services again if ever needed. Thanks again.

Client Dispute at livery yard

Many thanks for all your work on this and speedy responses to everything, you have made the whole process very simple for us. Thanks again!

Darren Gordon – General Manager Concept Environmental Solutions

Recognition of our work

Legal updates and thought leadership

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