Your rural legal team

Futureproofing the next generation of farming families

Passing on a farm or estate isn’t just a legal process, it’s personal. It’s about legacy, family, and making sure what you’ve worked hard to build continues to thrive in the right hands.

We work closely with farming families to create clear, practical succession plans that protect your business and your relationships. Whether that involves drafting a will, setting up trusts, navigating inheritance tax, or helping family members understand their future roles, we’re with you every step of the way.

Because when the time comes, you’ll want to know that everything’s been thought through. And that’s reassuring to know.

Whether you’re buying land for a new agricultural venture or selling part of a long-held estate for development or residential use, we can help make the process smooth and stress-free.

We’ve handled everything from large-scale working farms to parcels of land being sold for homes. We know the paperwork. We know the practicalities. And we know the people, thanks to our trusted network of land agents, surveyors, and planners.

It’s a big step. We’ll help you take it with confidence.

It’s what’s beneath the surface that counts

From minerals clauses in deeds to the complex business of who has the rights to extract what, we’re well-versed in the legal intricacies of mines, minerals and aggregates.

Whether you’re buying, selling or developing land, we’ll help you understand what’s included, and what’s not. And if you’re looking to retain or realise value from mineral rights, we can guide you through that too.

These issues can feel like a minefield. We’ll help you navigate them safely.

Solar. Wind. Hydro. Opportunity.

The countryside has always been a source of energy, now more than ever. We’ve advised landowners and developers on a wide range of renewable energy schemes, particularly solar projects.

From negotiating lease agreements to working with planning authorities and energy companies, we know how to get these deals done, and done right.

If you’re exploring renewable energy opportunities on your land, we’ll help you take that idea from concept to connection.

Working with the country’s leading housebuilders

We’ve acted for some of the biggest names in housebuilding — helping them secure land, negotiate terms, and get the green light on major developments.

So, whether you’re selling land for development or thinking about unlocking value from part of your estate, we’ll bring our expertise and strong reputation to the table. We also know who else to bring, with longstanding connections to agents, architects, planners and surveyors across the region.

It’s not just about selling land. It’s about shaping communities. And we’re proud to be part of that.

Specialist support for agricultural employment matters.

We understand the unique challenges that come with employing people in the rural and agricultural sector, from seasonal labour and tied accommodation to health and safety and family-run businesses.

Our employment team works with farms, estates, and agri-businesses to provide clear, commercially focused advice on contracts, disciplinary issues, grievance procedures, and compliance with employment legislation. Whether you’re navigating a farm restructure or handling a dispute, we help you mitigate risk and make confident decisions.

We also advise on working time regulations, holiday pay, and the management of casual or agency workers, ensuring your employment practices remain compliant and fit for purpose in a changing regulatory landscape.

Fishing, shooting, stalking and more

Rural estates often come with rights that go beyond the land itself. We advise landowners and tenants on all aspects of sporting rights, whether that’s buying, selling, letting or registering them.

We also handle associated agreements like licences, leases and permissions, ensuring everything’s set up properly and protects your long-term interests.

We know how important these rights can be, for tradition, for income, and for community. We’ll help you manage them with care.

Protecting rural assets through life’s key moments.
Farming and rural businesses are often family-run, with land and property passing through generations. When someone is marrying into a family where these assets exist, a pre-nuptial agreement can help protect inherited wealth, future interests in land, and the integrity of the family business. Our experienced Family team works sensitively and discreetly to put robust arrangements in place, offering peace of mind while supporting strong relationships.

In the event of a separation or divorce, untangling shared interests in land, property, or agricultural businesses can be complex, particularly where multiple family members are involved. We provide clear, practical advice on how assets may be divided and work closely with valuers and accountants where needed.

When things go wrong, we help put them right

Disputes in rural life come in all shapes and sizes. Land boundaries. Rights of way. Broken contracts. Animal-related issues. Misunderstandings between neighbours, tenants, or business partners.

Whatever the problem, we’re known for our calm, practical approach. We’ll work with you to resolve disputes quickly and with as little disruption as possible, whether that’s through negotiation, mediation, or, if needed, the courts.

And thanks to our reputation and wide network of professionals, including barristers, valuers, and experts in rural law — you’ll have the right people on your side.

Because sometimes it’s not just about what’s right. It’s about getting things sorted, so you can get back to what matters.