I am a Partner in Michelmores’ Agriculture team. I come from a farming background in South Wales and have had the privilege of working as an agricultural solicitor since qualifying in 2010. I joined Michelmores in 2012, on the opening of the Bristol office.
I act for a broad range of landowners and occupiers, as well as agricultural businesses and local authorities.
My practice is predominantly non-contentious; I am experienced in drafting a wide variety of deeds and agreements relating to the letting of land and farming business structures, with a particular specialism in farming partnerships, succession planning and complex tenancy re-structures.
I am passionate about the environment and the role the agriculture sector can play in addressing the climate and biodiversity crises. I have a growing practice in Natural Capital and the long-term management of land for biodiversity and environmental gains, with a developing specialism in conservation covenants.
I also have a busy advisory practice, assisting clients in relation to specialist landlord and tenant matters (both agricultural and rural residential), with a particular interest in Agricultural Holdings Act succession rights.
I lecture regularly to the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers and am a joint editor of the RICS e-learning portal (ISurv) for rural landlord and tenant matters.
Expertise
Recent experience
Advising on the structure and design of the proposed Landscape Recovery Schemes which will form the top-tier of the English Government’s new Environmental Land Management Schemes. I worked on ‘test and trial’ projects which considered the complex issues of involving multiple stakeholders in these ambitious, long-term schemes, with a particular focus on tenant farmers and Commons rights.
Advising in relation to the formation of a new trading partnership focused on a regenerative farming operation which will hold key assets for tax planning purposes.
Supporting clients to navigate the legislative and regulatory background and potential legal structures available to create and maintain sites for long term environmental gain.
Acting in respect of succession applications and succession planning under the Agricultural Holdings Act 1986.
Supporting a large, rural estate on complex repair and regulatory issues arising in relation to multiple agricultural and residential tenancies.
