Nine county farm tenancies on offer across England and Wales

Seven farms owned by Cambridgeshire County Council are soon to become available on 10-year farm business tenancies.

Tenders for the farms, covering a combined 1,800 acres, will open on 28 February 2022, with interviews taking place in March.

The tenancies range in size from 156 acres to 370 acres and are due to run from October 2022, with further details about the farms and the application process available from 28 January from the council.

See also: Sustainable Farming Incentive 2022: What farmers need to know

New entrants to farming are especially encouraged to apply – Cambridgeshire has had more than 100 new entrants to the county estate since 2000.

In total, England and Wales has more than 270,000 acres of farmland let by local authorities.

Cambridgeshire Country Council has the largest estate, at more than 32,000 acres.

John Nash, rural asset manager for the county council, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for motivated and enthusiastic new entrants looking to get on the farming ladder or existing farmers looking to progress.

“These farms, some of which haven’t been available for a number of years, are suitable for a range of farming systems.

“They offer the opportunity for tenants to create a successful farming business and family home, with the flexibility to support sustainable farming for the long term.”

Powys County Council farms

Powys County Council also has two farms to let on farm business tenancies.

The farms, near Kerry and Welshpool, are both available to let for almost eight years, starting on 5 May 2022.

Applicants should have at least five years’ practical farming experience and intend to continue to pursue a career in agriculture.

Viewings are by arrangement only and particulars should be requested by 18 February via email at county.farms@powys.gov.uk

Cambridgeshire offer

Fen Bridge Farm

Fen Bridge Farm, near Cottenham, is made up of 186 acres of arable land and includes a three-bedroom house and farm buildings.

Fosters Farm

The largest listing to be made available by Cambridgeshire County Council this year is Fosters Farm, near Whittlesford.

The 370-acre holding includes a three-bedroom house and a range of farm buildings. The land is mainly free-draining soils.

Halls Farm

Halls Farm, near Wisbech St Mary, is located on predominately silt black soil and includes a three-bedroom house, a range of farm buildings and 295 acres of land.

Limes Farm

Located near Landbeach, Limes Farm is a 363-acre arable unit that is available with farm buildings and a detached house.

Throckenholt Farm

Throckenholt Farm, near Spalding, is an equipped 247-acre farm with loamy and clay soils.

It has a range of farm buildings and a three-bedroom house.

Whitehall Farm

Loamy and sandy soils make up the 190-acre Whitehall Farm, near Littleport.

It comes with a three-bedroom house and a range of farm buildings.

Car Dyke Farm

Car Dyke Farm, near Landbeach, consists of a bungalow, farm building and 156 acres of arable ground.

Welsh offering

Sychlyn Pool Quay

The holding located near Welshpool is an 86-acre stock-rearing unit, which comes with a three-bedroom house and extensive modern farm buildings.

New Hall

New Hall, near Kerry, is available to let with as a whole with a three-bedroom house, a range modern and traditional farm buildings and 57 acres of productive land.