Agriculture and landed estates

Agricultural disputes can affect valuable assets, business continuity and family relationships. Issues may arise in relation to land ownership, farming arrangements, tenancies, rights of way, partnership disagreements and inheritance matters. We advise landowners, farmers and rural businesses on resolving disputes effectively while protecting long-term interests and preserving value.

Farming partnerships often form the foundation of rural businesses and family enterprises. Challenges can arise around ownership, profit-sharing, retirement, succession and decision-making. We advise on establishing, reviewing and managing partnership arrangements, helping clients create certainty, maintain stability and support future growth.

Agricultural tenancy arrangements can significantly impact the use and management of rural land. We advise landowners, tenants and farming businesses on Agricultural Holdings Act tenancies, Farm Business Tenancies and grazing arrangements, helping clients understand their rights, manage obligations and protect their interests.

Planning for retirement is an important consideration for farming families and landowners. Decisions often involve business succession, wealth preservation and the transfer of responsibilities between generations. We help clients develop strategies that protect assets, support continuity and provide certainty for the future.

Disputes relating to boundaries, access rights and property ownership can affect the effective use and value of rural land. We advise landowners and occupiers on a wide range of property matters, helping clients protect their interests, resolve disputes and maintain productive land use.

Public rights of way can create practical and legal challenges for agricultural landowners and rural businesses. We advise on the creation, diversion and management of footpaths, bridleways and byways, helping clients balance access rights with the effective management of their land.

Tenancies and licences are commonly used to facilitate the occupation and use of agricultural land and rural property. We advise landowners, tenants and occupiers on structuring arrangements that provide clarity, protect interests and support long-term objectives.

Accommodation linked to agricultural employment can create complex rights and obligations for both employers and occupiers. We advise on occupation agreements, succession claims and employment-related housing matters, helping clients navigate disputes and achieve practical outcomes.

Historic estates, listed buildings and heritage assets require careful management to balance preservation with long-term sustainability. We advise owners and trustees on heritage property matters, helping protect significant assets while supporting family, commercial and estate objectives.

Inheritance tax planning is a key consideration for farming families and landowners seeking to preserve wealth and assets for future generations. We advise on tax-efficient strategies that support succession objectives, maximise available reliefs and protect the long-term future of estates and businesses.

Manorial rights can continue to affect modern land ownership and rural property transactions. We advise landowners, estate owners and purchasers on the existence, impact and management of these historic rights, helping clients understand their position and protect their interests.

Rural property transactions often involve agricultural, environmental, tax and land management considerations. We advise buyers and sellers on the acquisition and disposal of farms, estates and rural assets, helping clients manage risk and achieve successful outcomes.

Sporting rights can form an important part of the value and management of rural estates. We advise landowners and estate owners on the ownership, leasing and transfer of sporting rights, helping clients protect valuable interests and maximise opportunities.

Succession planning helps farming families and estate owners prepare for the future transfer of assets, responsibilities and ownership. We advise on practical strategies that support business continuity, protect family wealth and create certainty for future generations.

Trustees have significant responsibilities and can face challenges where disputes or conflicting interests arise. We advise trustees and beneficiaries on trust-related disputes and governance matters, helping protect assets, manage risk and support effective trust administration.

Trusts can play an important role in preserving wealth, protecting assets and supporting succession planning. We advise trustees, beneficiaries and settlors on trust administration, helping ensure arrangements remain effective, compliant and aligned with long-term objectives.

Changing family circumstances or succession plans may make it necessary to vary the terms of a trust. We advise trustees and beneficiaries on applications under the Variation of Trusts Act, helping clients adapt trust structures while continuing to protect family wealth and future interests.