Contrasting tenancies on offer

Several large tenancies offer quite different prospects. Arable interests are to the fore with the launch of almost 1,200 acres in Cambridgeshire by Robinson & Hall.

All of the land is available on six-year farm business tenancies (FBTs) starting on 1 September this year.

At Brook End Farm and Brook House Farm, Catworth, there is grain storage for 1,000t and a general-purpose building with 661 acres of arable and woodland.

All the land here is Grade 3 on Hanslope series soils and a second lot offers just over 55 acres of pasture land fenced for sheep. The arable land is currently in an Entry Level Stewardship scheme and most of the fields have a water supply.

Three lots at Glebe Farm and Little Catworth Lodge, Spaldwick, near Huntingdon, range from almost 28 acres to 282 acres, with the tenancies also starting on 1 September.

This land is also Grade 3, but is not in ELS. Tenders must be in by 12pm on 21 June. (Robinson & Hall 01234 351 000)

The Glanusk Estate in the Brecon Beacons National Park is looking for innovative farmers to take on an initial 10-year FBT on 645 acres.

This is split between 338 acres of arable land, 258 acres of pasture and 45 acres of rough pasture, as well as a range of buildings. An annual grazing licence is also available on 256 acres of parkland.

The estate could probably achieve a higher rent by letting out the land in separate blocks, said Knight Frank’s Hamish Baxter, who helps to manage Glanusk, but it wanted to encourage a tenant who would farm it as their core holding.

To add flexibility, various types of residential accommodation will be available with the land, from a four-bedroom farmhouse to smaller units. “In contrast to a traditional tenancy, the tenant can pick and choose what would be most appropriate for their circumstances and budget,” said Mr Baxter. (Knight Frank 01488 688 500)