As a firm practicing predominantly in Lincolnshire and neighbouring rural areas, we place great importance upon our ability to assist clients with interests in agriculture and related businesses. We believe that in order to give the best service, it is necessary for us to understand not only the legal topics which concern farming, but also the non-legal issues which farmers and landowners face on a daily basis.

Farming activities are becoming increasingly diverse as emphasis is given not only to food production, but to the many other services which rural landowners and managers can offer and to the businesses in which they are involved.

At the same time, an increasing number of rural businesses do not have their base in agriculture. The issues which face the countryside and the rural economy are becoming more complex and inter-related.

In order to keep pace with these changes, Bridge McFarland has an Agriculture and Rural Affairs team who are not only qualified in agriculture law, but who have wide experience of the many non-legal issues which affect those who live and work in the countryside.

Farming and agriculture will remain at the core of our specialist knowledge, but these additions to our long experience of advising farming clients enable us to be at the forefront as professional advisers to rural businessmen and residents.

• Acquisition and disposal of farms and landholdings
• Access and rights of way
• Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000
• Common land
• Public and private rights of way
• Boundaries

• Agricultural landholding
• Farm business tenancies
• Business tenancies under the Landlord and Tenant Act
• Agricultural Holdings Act tenancies

• Conservation law
  • Protection of wildlife
  • Buildings
  • Protection of designated areas
  • Game laws
  • Historic sites in the countryside

• Criminal justice and public order
  • Travellers and gypsies
  • Trespass
  • Poaching and vandalis

• Environmental law
  • Air, land, noise and water pollution
  • Fly tipping

• Land use law
  • Wayleaves and easement
  • Telecommunications
  • Pipelines and sewers
  • Wind farms

• Town and country planning
  • Agricultural occupancy conditions
  • Appeals
  • Certificates of lawful use
  • Enforcement
  • Planning applications
  • Diversification

• Taxation
  • Capital gains tax
  • Inheritance tax

• Mineral Rights
• Sporting Rights
• Quotas
• Agricultural Land Tribunal cases